Winter Gardens Planning Enforcement Case Closed After Works Carried Out

An Isle of Wight Council planning enforcement case into the visual condition of the iconic Ventnor Winter Gardens has closed.

In a statement, County Hall said the landowner of the site has been ‘cooperative’ and carried out all works requested by the council, with ‘visual harm’ now ‘resolved’.

A spokesperson said that as a result, formal enforcement action has not been required.

In April last year, the local authority embarked upon a pre-section 215 process with local businessman Kevin Sussmilch, of the Winter Gardens’ owners, The Hambrough Group.

This identified required improvements to the dilapidated Art Deco-style building such as re-rendering, filling in cracks, painting and repairing the roof.

Section 215 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 gives a local planning authority the power, in certain circumstances, to require land to be cleaned up when its condition adversely affects the amenity of an area.

An Isle of Wight Council spokesperson said: “The council recognises the importance of the Winter Gardens locally and understands the concerns that have been raised.

“The council’s planning enforcement team has worked with the landowner to address the visual condition of the building, which is the matter that falls within planning control.

“The works undertaken have been completed at the council’s request and are considered proportionate to address the impact the building was having on the surrounding area.

“In terms of the wider condition of the building, planning legislation, through Section 215 powers, is specifically focused on amenity and appearance.

“It does not extend to structural matters, which are governed through other statutory frameworks and responsibilities.”

They said that on this basis, the enforcement case will be closed and added that the council will continue to engage where appropriate through the relevant regulatory routes.

Cllr Ed Blake, Conservative representative for Ventnor and St Lawrence, said: “I disagree with the council that the Planning Enforcement Notice has been completed to a satisfactory standard.