GO-AHEAD has been given to Red Funnel’s controversial multi-million pound masterplan for its East Cowes terminal.
Following the three day appeal against Isle of Wight Council refusal of permission a planning inspector decided Red Funnel should be allowed to bulldoze its existing terminal and nearby industrial and commercial buildings and properties in Dover Road.
The decision means that together with a new terminal building and marshalling yard, Red Funnel would be allowed to build up to 100 homes, retail, leisure and commercial premises and a 60-bed hotel, subject to wide-ranging conditions insisted upon by the planning inspector.
But in the wake of the decision Red Funnel said it would make an announcement next month.
Following the refusal of the masterplan the company came up with a scaled down alternative early this year.
As a result Red Funnel has permission for half its alternative scaled-down plan but half of it was refused by the IW Council which was concerned at the loss of industrial buildings.
The refusal, like the masterplan, was contrary to officer recommendation.
The smaller scheme does not involve demolishing homes and businesses — including the White Hart pub — in Dover Road.
A Red Funnel spokesman said: “We now have the approval we need to build a 21st century ferry terminal which will facilitate growth in the Island’s economy for decades to come as well as resolving the traffic congestion in East Cowes and facilitating the regeneration of the town centre.
“More details about the new terminal layout and time-line will be published in late September.”