Planning Policies 'Severely Hindering Regeneration' Says Councillor

An Isle of Wight councillor has criticised County Hall planning policies to protect derelict seafront hotels, saying something has to change.

Cllr Ian Ward, of Sandown South, said current rules “severely” hinder his town’s regeneration.

At yesterday evening’s economy, regeneration, transport and infrastructure (ERTIC) committee meeting, he requested the panel recommend a change of course.

He posed his questions “in light of the recent furore in the national and local media about derelict hotels and other buildings in Sandown”.

The Daily Express last week described Sandown as a ‘crumbling seaside town’, whilst in a separate piece featuring Cllr Ward, the Daily Mail labelled it a ‘ghost town’.

He told the chamber:

“Derelict hotels are a direct consequence of the huge reduction…in the tourism economy before the turn of the century. However, the Isle of Wight Council still has planning policies that were introduced to protect the level of tourism the Island enjoyed in the last century by protecting seafront hotels.

“However, these policies today severely hinder and hold back the regeneration of Sandown and our economy. At a recent examination of our draft Island Planning Strategy, three people told the inspectors that the policy to protect seafront hotels for tourism was outdated and needed urgent revision as they prevented the redevelopment along derelict hotel sites.

“The policies are a clear disincentive for the owners and/or investors.”

Chair of ERTIC Cllr Julie-Jones Evans read out the council’s response:

“The Isle of Wight Council is doing its best with the resources and powers available to it to facilitate a solution regarding the derelict buildings in Sandown.

“The emerging Island Planning Strategy has a specific policy…supporting high quality tourism which identifies all tourism accommodation areas – one in Sandown, one in Shanklin and says the council will resist the loss of tourist accommodation unless it can be robustly evidenced that the site is no longer viable for tourism accommodation.

“The planning inspectors have asked the council whether the policy approach to resisting the loss of tourist accommodation or areas is justified and this was responded to.

“Tourism is a key part of the Island’s economy – these areas are popular with visitors and have lots of hotels and restaurants and attractions, so the council sees them as vital to the Island’s success.

“The policy aims to stop hotels and guesthouses from being lost to other uses like housing unless there’s clear proof they’re no longer viable.

“This approach supports local jobs, encourages investment in better quality accommodation…all in line with national planning guidance.”