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Historic Freshwater Watch Tower Set For Demolition

A former coastguard lookout on the edge of Freshwater is set to be demolished next month, as it is at danger of collapse.

Prior approval is being sought from the Isle of Wight Council to demolish the observation tower at Cliff End in Freshwater, that overlooks Fort Albert.

The lookout, which sits on top of the Cliff End Battery, is in a derelict condition, with a partially collapsed roof and doorways, and no safe access to the first floor.

Freshwater watch tower

Linstone Chine Management Company is asking for planning permission to demolish ‘the dilapidated two-storey concrete and steel structure’ as soon as practical after July 9.

However, local resident Daniel James, said: 

“Cliff End Battery is a locally-listed heritage asset, but there is no heritage report in this application for demolition.

“Local people are not aware of this application, which has only just been released to the press by the Isle of Wight Council, with one weeks’ notice of the end of the consultation on July 3.”

“There are no details whatsoever of measures which could be taken to protect the Cliff End Battery or the adjacent Fort Victoria Site of Importance for Nature Conservation from damage during the demolition of the observation tower. Nor are there any details of measures which will be taken to restore the battery or the nature conservation site after demolition.”

“The observation tower is a landmark on the cliff edge, and if repaired, could form a tourism asset offering a viewpoint for bird watchers and walkers on the coastal path.

“As a former military station manned by soldiers from Golden Hill Fort and elsewhere, the battery could attract heritage grants for restoration, and the tower could be used to provide information to visitors about the history of the area.”

A video of the tower is in its original state is available to watch here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5PbgnGIdXQ) courtesy of the Isle of Wight Archive.

By Local Democracy Reporter, Louise Hill

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