Sandown's Victorian Villa Hotel Could Be Converted Into Supported Living Accommodation

A Victorian villa hotel in an Isle of Wight seaside town could be converted into supported living accommodation for adults with learning disabilities.

Mr R Freeman of Fundamentum is seeking planning permission for a change of use of The Fernside at 30 Station Avenue in Sandown, against the backdrop of both the town and the Island’s declining tourism industry.

The hotel was marketed for eight months from November 2024 to June this year, with ‘little interest’ in the property as a ‘going concern’ despite a £10,000 price reduction, according to a Planning and Heritage Statement from Brodie Planning Associates.

Submitted plans for the accommodation include 12 en-suite bedrooms, an office and communal space.

Brodie Planning Associates said:

“The lack of any interest in purchasing this property and operating it as a hotel over an eight month period clearly demonstrates the use is no longer viable.

“This is consistent with the wider picture of decline in tourism on the Island and in particular Sandown.

“It is simply not sustainable for this property to lie empty especially when there is a severe shortfall in housing and in particular when this property could provide much needed specialist accommodation for those with disabilities.

“The proposal seeks to provide housing for adults with learning disabilities, enabling them to lead a high-quality, independent life in well-equipped accommodation with access to on-site support as required.

“The service provider will support all aspects of a person’s life, including health and well-being, ongoing education, skills development and accessing social, leisure and work opportunities.”

The document said the new accommodation will create four full time jobs for ‘local people’.

County Hall’s Adult and Social Care Commissioners supported the application in a letter available on the council’s planning portal.

It said the proposed scheme responds to ‘clearly identified’ local needs and assists the local authority’s ‘broader aim’ of increasing specialist provision across the Isle of Wight.

The council’s public consultation on proposal 25/01581/FUL ends on December 19 and a decision is due on January 12.