Councillors Back Plans For Holiday Home On Totland Pier

New proposals to transform a disused restaurant on Totland Pier head into ‘one of the most unique’ holiday homes on the Isle of Wight have won the backing of local councillors.

However, they have pressed for the return of the cafe, at the other end of the pier, which only operated for a short time.

Totland Pier Limited’s application for permission to retain the two-storey pier-head structure ‘as built’ and change its use from a restaurant to holiday accommodation has received support from Totland Parish Council (TPC).

The proposal would provide a unit with four ensuite bedrooms and a utility room on the main deck level, according to Modh Design.

There would also be a large open plan kitchen, dining, lounge space with a small study, pantry and cloakroom on the upper deck level.

A TPC spokesperson said:

“Councillors raised no objections to the retention of the building and the proposed change of use to holiday accommodation, recognising that the scheme represents a difference from the design approved under planning permission P/01745/10.

"That included the restoration of the pier, demolition of the cafe building and its replacement with a cafe, retail unit and garage, together with the erection of a holiday unit.

“Councillors highlighted the importance of ensuring that public access along the pier to the gatehouse continues to be maintained.

“The council also wishes to encourage the applicant to explore opportunities to reopen the cafe.”

They said the parish council strongly supported the original cafe proposal and is ‘disappointed’ the facility has only operated for a limited period.

TPC considers the provision of a cafe to be a ‘valuable asset’ for both residents and visitors and would welcome its future return, the spokesperson added.

The Isle of Wight Council’s public consultation on application 26/00558/FUL finishes on Friday (June 19) and a decision is scheduled for July 13.