Plans Approved To Turn Shanklin Seafront Hotel Into Flats

Plans to convert a seafront hotel in Shanklin into residential apartments have been approved by the Isle of Wight Council.

County Hall has given the green light for the Esplanade Hotel, 32 Esplanade, described as being in a “very poor state of repair”, to be transformed into six two-bedroom flats.

The decision comes with a number of conditions, including requirements relating to planning policy, protection of local amenity and privacy, waste storage, and the building’s location within the Shanklin Conservation Area.

The proposal attracted both support and opposition from the community.

Four objections were submitted, raising concerns about the potential loss of tourist accommodation, the impact on the local visitor economy, and fears the development could set a precedent for other seafront hotels to be converted.

One resident, Karen McDowell, said new apartments on the Esplanade would likely be out of reach for many Islanders and could reduce footfall for seafront businesses that rely on tourism.

She warned that nearby areas show how a lack of visitors can impact local economies.

However, the plans were also backed by supporters, including Shanklin Town Council.

Those in favour argued the building has stood empty for years and is no longer viable as a hotel, with concerns it could continue to deteriorate if left unchanged.

Another resident, Sandy Nordbruch, told the council it would be better to allow redevelopment rather than see the property fall further into disrepair, adding that a mix of residential and holiday accommodation has worked successfully in other coastal towns.

A full decision report for the application has not yet been published by the council.