Former Raffles Tavern pub on Isle of Wight could become flats

The Raffles Tavern building, on Steyne Road, was last used as a dormitory for the Kingswood outdoor activity centre but has been empty for the last two years.

The property was sold earlier this year and now new owners, Ronima Ltd, a Winchester-based company, is looking to redevelop the site into 11 two-bed flats across three floors.

In documents submitted to the Isle of Wight Council, planning agent Phil Salmon said the building was in a relatively poor state of repair and in need of comprehensive refurbishment — with damp issues, very poor insulation and inefficient heating systems.

The plans for the former pub. Picture by Richard Mazillius.

The building is also said to be poorly laid out, with all the issues combined equating to the argument it is "considered neither to be desirable nor financially unsustainable" to retain the building, the agent said.

The planning statement says the site offers an opportunity to promote a sustainable residential scheme on a brownfield site which, once approved, could be built quickly.

• You can view the plans, HERE.
• Comments can be submitted until September 5.

The plans for the flats on Steyne Road, Bembridge. Picture by Richard Mazillius.

One objection has so far been submitted, by a neighbour, who said they were 'incredibly disheartened' to see another development planned in the area — as 'more and more' residential properties had been 'crammed into every square inch of land'.

They say the flats on the top two floors would overlook neighbours, with the balcony proposed for the top flat 'very intrusive'.

The infrastructure was insufficient in and around Bembridge, they said, which would be negatively impacted due to the additional pressure the development would have.