Neighbours Raise Noise And Fire Fears Over Historic Cowes Pub’s Roof Terrace Plan

Plans to ‘enhance’ an historic Isle of Wight pub with a roof terrace and pergola have prompted noise and fire concerns from neighbours.

Suzie Marwood and Annabel Armstrong, who live on Cowes’s The Parade, filed objections against Matthew Parker’s proposed modern additions to the Union Inn on Watch House Lane.

Mr Parker’s agent, LMA Heritage Consultancy, previously said the new area will be used as a space for customers to enjoy, with some summer shade.

Mrs Armstrong said:

“This roof garden will be a few feet away from our bedroom window. My main concern is noise.

"The roof garden will be in use in the summer when our bedroom window will be open.

“My understanding is that it will be screened from a privacy point of view. We will not want cigarette smoke wafting into our bedroom.

“The other big concern is fire. (My home) is a 250-year-old timber framed listed building. The buildings are all adjoined.”

Mrs Marwood said that while there will be ‘no smoking or vaping’ signage, the risk of fire is still ‘germane’, especially given that ‘so many of the Union’s patrons are smokers’.

In her objection, she mentioned cigarette butts in Watch House Lane on ‘most days’.

“We believe that having consumed alcohol there is a strong possibility that patrons may discard butts onto the roof and surrounding area.

"Given the age and construction of The Union and surrounding properties, we think this open-air facility is dangerous,” Mrs Marwood said.

She also voiced disquiet over noise, with The Union’s roof being near to the rear of her home, and patrons being able to see into her rear bathroom.

A submitted Heritage Statement from LMA Heritage Consultancy said the proposal will promote growth and the pub’s future competitiveness.

“Currently the Union Inn has no outdoor space to accommodate clientele in the summer months,” it said.

“In a popular location with such footfall this puts the business at a disadvantage to other eating and drinking establishments, which have used enclosed rear outdoor spaces and/or roof terraces to encourage visitors.”

Public access to the terrace would close after 10pm, an hour earlier than last orders, and would help to ensure respectable noise levels, the document said.

In addition, a slatted timber fence would create an ‘enclosed courtyard feel’ and protect neighbouring properties from overlooking.

The Isle of Wight Council’s public consultation on application 25/01681/FUL ends on December 30 and a decision is due on January 16.