By Rufus Pickles - Local Democracy Reporter
A proposal to build a new seafront café on the site of a ‘half-built eyesore’ has divided opinion.
Hospitality business SE-View’s application for a café at Kingsmere on Land End Road in Bembridge is opposed by both Island Roads and Bembridge Parish Council despite 19 members of the public supporting the bid.
SE-View’s application form said: “The proposed development would result in the construction of a replacement cafe within the application site.
“This is a much compromised and reduced application from the previous and subsequent pre-application advice; removing the kiosks and shops and reducing the building footprint.
“The current use of the site is a half-built cafe construction which was abandoned mid-build leaving an eyesore on the site.”
Bembridge Parish Council said the application fails to meet policies set out in the Bembridge Neighbourhood Plan while Island Roads listed three grounds of objection: inadequate parking provision, turning area and visibility.
Bembridge resident Tony Adlam said: “I strongly support this application. The current site is an eyesore and a blight on the landscape.
“The previous cafe was a well-loved and very popular attraction; a replacement such as this application outlines can only be for the benefit of all – residents, visitors alike.”
The council’s public consultation on the proposal ends on February 14 and a decision is scheduled for March 10.
Isle of Wight Observer