Controversial Events Room Conversion Refused After Mounting Opposition

The conversion of an events room often used by a popular Isle of Wight community café has been refused after mounting opposition.

INCA Partner’s application for a change of use of a space to the rear of 64 High Street, once Ventnor’s Central Hotel, was rejected by planners who said it contains ‘insufficient evidence’ to justify the facility’s loss.

A council decision report said 16 letters were received objecting to the bid, with concerns including the events room’s contribution to the vibrancy of the Better Days Cafe and a loss of viability resulting from the proposal, construction noise and a detrimental impact on a Grade II listed building.

The applicant’s agent, Phil Salmon Planning, previously said the owners want to continue investment in the building, ensuring its long-term maintenance.

County Hall’s decision report said the application contains insufficient evidence to justify the loss of the events room as a social and community infrastructure facility.

It said:

“The application contains insufficient information for the local planning authority to fully assess the effects of the proposed development on the significance of heritage assets (the grade II listed building and Ventnor Conservation Area) and on the vitality and viability of Ventnor town centre.

“Without this information it is considered the proposal could result in alterations that would cause unjustified harm to the listed building and potentially conflict with the existing café use within the building to the detriment of town centre vitality and viability.

“The proposal would fail to provide a good level of amenity for future occupiers of the proposed residential unit due to poor levels of privacy and outlook.”

Planners also cited a lack of a planning obligation to secure a required affordable housing contribution.

Better Days Cafe founder Kirsty Chapman previously said she objected ‘profoundly’ to the plans:

“We feed hungry people and signpost to mental health services.

"Some of our staff are autistic and we accommodate them by keeping music low etc,” she told the council.

“So firstly, I oppose the noise and disruption it will cause. I’ve worked hard for four years to set up a safe, warm space for people.

"Secondly, the room is used for guitar club once a week, and I’ve been looking for funding to make a Youth Hub with this room.”

She said there was “no way” a building site next door would not impact on her staff and customers and added that the café would probably be forced to close.

Phil Salmon Planning previously said:

“The application is being submitted by the owners of the site who wish to continue to invest in the building.

"This ensures its long-term maintenance as an important listed building, enabled by a sustainable mix of HMO accommodation, the residential town house, and ground floor café, all of which help maintain the vitality and vibrancy of this town centre site.

“The event room to the rear of the hotel building has remained unused since the current owners of the site took on the property.

“It has previously been used by Ventnor Rugby Club, as its events centre, prior to the club having its own premises.

"There has been no interest by any third parties for its use since.”

Better Days Cafe has been approached for comment.