PRIME seafront land near Ryde has been abandoned by the developers — over a decade since it was first boarded up.

The former Harcourt Sands holiday park, next to Puckpool Park near Ryde, has lain derelict since it closed its doors in 2006, and now the plug has been pulled on the latest plans.

Developers ZeroC declined to comment this week, but there is no reference to the site on its website, where future developments are listed.

The land is believed to be owned by a London-based company, and had been a project since around 2012 for developers ZeroC, most known for its work at Prince Charles's ground-breaking urban development, Poundbury, near Dorchester.

No reason has been given for the change in situation.

Consultation with the public took place in 2012 and planning permission was granted in 2015 for 128 residential dwellings, alongside a tourism proposal that would comprise either a 63-bed hotel or 15 holiday units.

The IW Council named the site as one of its key strategic regeneration sites in December 2016.

Ryde mayor Henry Adams said it was an important development for Ryde and Seaview, and the Island as a whole.

"It's an absolute disgrace, and has gone on for years. It's an embarrassment for Ryde and Seaview," he said.

"The developers promised all sorts of wonders for it, but it's just been neglected."

Cllr Wayne Whittle, IW Council cabinet member for regeneration and business development, is also a Ryde business owner.

He said: "I think the days of holiday camps are gone, and over the years no one seemed interested in the hotel element on this site, but I have no idea why this development hasn't happened.

"I would like to see housing there, as it would be a nice spot to live, and by just being empty it is affecting all the businesses in Ryde.

"As a council, we need to put pressure on, even if we do a compulsory purchase and do it ourselves. We should be looking at bringing derelict buildings into use, as left like this, it is a decaying mess."

The site closed in 2006 and suffered a major fire in 2007.

Chris Ashman, IW Council lead for regeneration, said: "It is disappointing to hear about ZeroC’s decision.

"The IW Council regeneration team will seek to support the landowner in identifying other potential development partners."