By Rufus Pickles - Local Democracy Reporter
Two family villas will be built on Cowes seafront – replacing a run-down ‘eyesore’.
The council has given consent to Hamlet Court Regeneration Ltd to redevelop Hamlet Court on Cowes Esplanade after the application received 68 letters of support from members of the public.
Each villa would have a lower ground floor, a ground floor and a first floor complete with a study, utility room, bathrooms, living room and a dining room with gardens overlooking the Solent.
Supporters argued they would greatly enhance Hamlet Court by replacing a run-down ‘eyesore’ building, containing flats with asbestos, damp and black mould. They also said redevelopment had been long awaited, and the proposed redevelopment would fit in well with the surrounding area and buildings, providing much-needed housing.
Explaining the decision, County Hall said: “The proposed replacement development would respect the historical and cultural significance of the site.
“The scale, mass and design of the proposed units would not result in any unacceptable loss of amenity, over-dominance, overshadowing or loss of privacy to the neighbouring residential properties.
“The proposed development would result in the loss of a non-designated heritage asset within a conservation area. Although this would result in harm, this is considered to be less than substantial, and the application has demonstrated that the building could not be viably retained and converted.”
The council attached 20 conditions to the approval for the purposes of national legislation and Isle of Wight planning policy, land and building stability, privacy, protecting wildlife, adequate drainage, highway safety, local amenity and maintaining the character of the Cowes Conservation Area.
Isle of Wight Observer 
Mal Butler