Ventnor Seafront Site To Be Transformed With New Homes

A long-derelict plot on Ventnor Esplanade is set for redevelopment after plans for two new semi-detached houses were approved by the Isle of Wight Council.

The La Veness site, which has stood unused for decades, will now be home to two four-storey properties designed in a traditional style.

Each will include four bedrooms, an integral garage and off-street parking.

The council said the scheme was a “suitable solution” for the site and would sit appropriately within the surrounding street scene.

The homes will replace an earlier 2022 consent for flats on the site, which stalled due to concerns over retaining walls, excavation works and local landslip risks.

Ten objections were initially submitted to the revised plan, including from Ventnor Town Council, citing worries about land stability, overdevelopment, parking, biodiversity and disruption to businesses.

However, the town council later said it saw “no reason” to oppose the updated bid.

Some residents welcomed the proposal. Ryde resident Michael Riley described it as “an attractive, well-designed, and long-overdue proposal for this derelict site” that could help lift the quality of architecture along the seafront.

In granting approval (application 25/00694/FUL), the council attached 14 conditions covering site stability, environmental protection, appearance, and measures to limit disturbance during construction.

The decision report concluded:

“The proposed building is a suitable solution for a previously developed site that has remained derelict and unused for a considerable time, and would be appropriate within the street scene and not harm the conservation area.”