Appeal Planned Over Proposal To Turn Ventnor Cafe Space Into Flat

Plans to turn a room used by a community cafe in Ventnor into a one-bedroom flat are being taken to appeal.

The space at the rear of 64 High Street, the former Central Hotel, is connected to the Better Days Cafe.

The Isle of Wight Council previously rejected an application to change its use, saying there wasn't enough evidence to justify losing the facility.

However, the cafe has now announced it will close in February 2027, after its owner decided not to renew the building's lease.

The council also raised concerns about the level of amenity the proposed flat would provide for future residents, as well as the lack of a legal agreement covering an affordable housing contribution.

The planning consultants behind the proposal, Phil Salmon Planning, say the appeal is for a "modest" but high-quality home which would help address the Island's housing need while supporting the long-term use of the historic building.

There were 16 objections to the original application.

Concerns included the role of the events room in supporting the Better Days Cafe, the potential impact on its viability, construction noise and possible harm to the Grade II listed building.

Phil Salmon Planning says the council's decision was not based on unacceptable impacts, but on a lack of evidence which can now be addressed.

The consultants also say a signed legal agreement relating to affordable housing is being submitted as part of the appeal.

They argue the room is privately owned ancillary space rather than a protected community asset, and say the application was specifically for the conversion of the rear room — not the closure or removal of the cafe.

They also point to other, more formalised community spaces available to hire or use in Ventnor.