By Mal Butler
A pile of bricks is all that remains of one of the luxury houses being built on a site on the outskirts of Yarmouth, after it was demolished last Friday (June 7).
The half-built house was razed to the ground at ‘The Salterns’, West Bay, Norton, which were originally for sale at £492,000 but are no longer on the market.
Last week, the IW Observer reported that the scheme was under threat with rumours that the houses which have been started so far were to be demolished. Work stopped on the site more than three months ago.
The IW Council has confirmed it was not involved with any decision to stop work on the site. While Yarmouth IW councillor, Peter Spink, said he had contacted the building case officer who told him that residents had been in touch regarding the sight levels and height of the construction which had taken place so far.
The IW Observer has also been contacted by local residents who say they have been told that there have also been problems with the materials used in the construction of the buildings.
Following our report, diggers were spotted on the site and, on Friday afternoon, workmen started to knock down one of the half-built buildings. Other unfinished houses are still on the site.
We understand at least one prospective buyer has been handed back his £50,000 deposit and the decision to halt building and demolition could cost the developers upwards of £1million.
The Salterns were marketed as ‘An absolute first for the Isle of Wight’. The advertising material described them as:
‘With a mixture of detached and semi-detached properties, all accessed via private roadways, gated access, landscaped private gardens, access to residents’ communal areas, and car parking for two or more vehicles.
‘The Salterns brings together a team of experts with extensive experience and expertise, from planning and design to project management, health & well-being. This broad range of skills and knowledge means that we have been able to make decisions and selections, which result in wonderful homes.
‘Designed by the award-winning architectural design house Modh Design, the team has immersed itself in the creative process over several years, exploring and perfecting many ideas and ultimately delivering something very special.’
The IW Observer contacted the owner during the week to ask for his comments, but has not received a reply.
Isle of Wight Observer