Cowes Councillors Object To Shipping Container Plans At Sushi Cafe

Plans to install a reclaimed shipping container beside a sushi cafe in Cowes have been criticised by the town council, which says the structure would be visually intrusive and unattractive.

The proposal, submitted by Leah Mew Architecture on behalf of Amick Productions, would see a container installed at Park Road Public Convenience, within the historic Northwood House Estate.

The space would support the approved hospitality development known as The Bath House Isle of Wight, with the applicant arguing that additional storage is needed to make the business viable in the long term.

Mike Christie, a Cowes resident and member of vocal group G4, who organises the Wight Proms and Wight Games festivals, is behind the plans.

The application warns that the wider project could be at risk without the extra space.

However, Cowes Town Council has objected, saying the container would be out of place in a prominent location and harm the character of the surrounding street scene.

It has suggested moving a clad container to the western boundary as a temporary measure, or extending the existing building southwards to provide storage instead.

The architect has argued the container’s impact on the Cowes Conservation Area would be negligible, adding that the site could otherwise risk becoming vacant again.

The Isle of Wight Council is consulting on planning application 26/01240/FUL until 30 October, with a decision due on 26 November.