Wildlife Fears Halt Controversial Office Redevelopment Plan

A controversial bid to replace offices and a flat with a four-bedroom house on the edge of an Isle of Wight coastal village has been refused.

County Hall rejected Salterns Ltd’s proposal to knock down a building known as Salterns at Seaview Holiday Village following objections from councillors and members of the public.

Salterns currently comprises ground floor offices occupied by Seaview Holidays Ltd, who manage adjacent holiday units, and a three-bedroom flat.

The proposal included a replacement detached house with four bedrooms, an open plan living room, kitchen and dining area.

A council report said the structure’s size and design would have an ‘unacceptable adverse impact’ on the character of the area, neighbouring amenity and the nearby Hersey Nature Reserve.

“The proposed replacement dwelling…would result in an imposing form of development that would be out of character within the wider area and result in a significant increase in light pollution,” it said.

“Insufficient information has been provided to demonstrate that the proposal would have no adverse impact on the integrity of the nearby Solent Special Protection Area (SPA) and the Hersey Nature Reserve Ramsar site and Site of Special Scientific Interest.”

The Solent SPAs are designated for tens of thousands of wintering birds.

Nettlestone and Seaview Parish Council previously cited the proposal’s impact on Hersey Nature Reserve and increased flood risk to The Duver.

The applicant’s agent, SJC Planning, said the application is considered to meet with local and national planning policy objectives.