Former Coastguard Station In Totland To Become Art Gallery

A former coastguard station on the Isle of Wight is set to be transformed into a commercial art gallery.

Brett Walpole of Medium Art has secured planning permission to change the use of the Needles Station on Lanes End in Totland.

The plans include alterations to the building, roof-mounted solar panels and new landscaping.

The gallery will feature exhibitions of paintings and sculptures by local, national and international artists, with contemporary artworks available to buy.

The applicant previously said the proposed changes were intended to be “pleasing aesthetically”, while the gallery could attract inward investment and contribute to the Island’s “cultural evolution”.

Planning officers said the development would benefit the local community and would not have an unacceptable impact on neighbouring properties.

A council report said the proposals would improve the appearance of the currently empty building, with new windows in the gable ends adding design interest.

It added that new planting would soften and enhance the site, creating an attractive addition to the surrounding area.