Former Isle Of Wight Village Restaurant To Become Two-Bedroom Flat

A former Isle of Wight village restaurant which traded for 27 years is set to be transformed into residential accommodation.

Iain Cowcher has gained prior approval to convert the now-closed Ganders Restaurant on Upper Green Road in St Helens into a two-bedroom apartment.

The well-known establishment closed last year after being named among the Isle of Wight’s top 20 restaurants by the Daily Telegraph and earning multiple TripAdvisor Certificates of Excellence.

A council decision report said officers were satisfied the change of use would not harm the character or sustainability of the St Helens Conservation Area, adding that all habitable rooms in the proposed home would receive adequate natural light.

A Heritage Statement submitted with the application said the restaurant was no longer viable in the current economic climate and had ceased trading, and that the plans would not negatively affect the building or surrounding conservation area.

The new flat will include two bedrooms, a bathroom, kitchen and a lounge or dining area, with windows in all rooms.

The exterior of the building will remain unchanged, although signage will be removed.