New Homes Could Be Built On Empty Ventnor Esplanade Plot

A pair of ‘traditional style’ semi-detached houses could be built on a piece of land on an Isle of Wight esplanade which has lain empty for decades.

Mark Lilly has submitted a planning application for a new residential scheme at Ventnor Esplanade’s La Veness site.

Each of the proposed four-storey homes would have four bedrooms and a garage.

A Planning and Heritage Statement written by Rainey Petrie Architecture on behalf of Mr Lilly says:

“The proposals are for a pair of semi-detached dwellings, over four floors, with integral garages, and off-street parking.

“The building is stepped back across the upper floors, to reflect the profile of buildings either side of the site, which is a general feature along this stretch of the Esplanade.

“This stepping of the building helps to avoid compromising the privacy of properties either side, whilst trying to preserve views wherever possible.

“The site has planning consent, 19/01377/FUL, gained on November 3, 2022, with the description: ‘Demolition of existing building; proposed block comprising 4 x 2 bed flats and 1 x 3 bed flat; formation of new vehicular access, parking and associated landscaping’.

“Development of 19/01377/FUL has remained on hold, largely attributed to the complex retaining wall requirements, the amount of excavation works, and number of landslip events that have recently occurred in the area of Ventnor.”

The council’s public consultation on proposal 25/00694/FUL finishes on June 20 and a decision is due on July 17.