By Louise Hill - BBC LDR
Major plans for a new Isle of Wight tourism site in the West Wight are still on the table, nearly two years after they were first submitted.
Treehouses, safari lodges and tiny homes are all part of the planned ‘eco-friendly retreat’, on the main road to Yarmouth.
The plans were first unveiled in May 2021, and submitted in the following year to the Isle of Wight Council, with hopes ‘The Woodlands’ — a glamping project proposed by Alan Short and Simon Hirst of Acorn Properties IOW — would be opened by Spring 2024.
However, the plans are still sitting with County Hall and have been put out for consultation once again after further changes were made to the proposals — which have now removed staff facilities, a restaurant and a multifunctional barn.
The barn would have been a central point of the tourism site. It was set to include a balcony deck area, pond and outdoor tent, but these plans have also been removed.
Wellbeing buildings, including a spa and treatment room with sauna pods; an amphitheatre landscaped zone and 31 accommodation units are still included in the plans, which could sit in Lee Copse, next to Lucketts Farm.
The plans have received mixed feedback with a host of supportive comments, but fears it could ‘significantly impact’ the protected ancient woodland and designated wildlife habitat has also led to multiple objections.
You can view the plans, 22/00713/FUL, on the Isle of Wight Council’s planning register. Comments can be submitted until March 22.
Press Release