Harbour Boat Store To Be Expanded Despite National Trust Concerns

A commercial boat store in an Isle of Wight harbour will be expanded to increase its capacity, despite concerns flagged by the National Trust.

County Hall has accepted OCT Properties’ application for an extension of the Bembridge Boat Storage building at The Duver, looking on to Bembridge Harbour.

The proposal includes demolishing several ‘smaller one-storey structures’ to the north of the store.

OCT Properties’ application form says:

“The existing facility will be expanded by demolishing several smaller one-story structures adjacent to the primary storage shed.

“This extension will increase storage capacity, raising the shed’s eaves by 1.25 metres, while keeping the ridge height unchanged, thereby ensuring minimal visual impact on the surrounding harbour area.

“The extension will feature materials consistent with the existing structure, such as matching cladding and brickwork, with the addition of a timber door on the new north extension.

“Improved access will be provided through the addition of a large loading door on the road-facing side, facilitating streamlined movement from the rear yard across the storage area.

“Furthermore, provisions for bicycle storage, parking, and waste management have been incorporated to enhance site functionality and respond to pre-application feedback.”

The National Trust said the proposed extension would be an ‘overly large’ and ‘incongruous feature’.

A spokesperson said:

“In summary, our objection relates to the size of the proposed extension, which will be significantly larger in scale and size than the surrounding buildings appearing to be an overly large and incongruous feature and be harmful to the setting of the Duver and Bembridge Harbour.

“The proposal is also likely to result in an increase in traffic crossing the Duver.

"This road floods significantly during high tide events or during very wet periods and is not suitable for large vehicles.”

Planners also received three other objections from members of the public who raised concerns including the creation of additional traffic on Duver Road, an alleged drawing inaccuracy, a lack of additional parking provision, potholes and the proposal failing to improve the area’s aesthetics.

The council’s decision report said:

“The proposal addresses the needs of a local business and assists in supporting economic growth on the Island.

“Officers consider that the building would be a suitable addition to the site and surrounding area.

"The impact on surrounding commercial and residential properties is considered acceptable.”

Seven conditions were attached to the approval of application 25/00835/FUL for the purposes of legal and planning policy compliance, the interests of the site, area, and neighbours’ amenities, mitigating possible ecology and biodiversity impacts and reducing the risk to life of the users of the development.