Isle of Wight East Dene redevelopment objections mount

Parking, land stability and site accessibility are among the reasons VTC's planning committee agreed to strongly oppose the Bonchurch application.

Wonder Wellbeing wants to turn the 1824 Grade II* listed building and its grounds into a 'must-visit' wellness retreat, with a spa and gym, on the site of the former activities centre and venue.

The firm wants to offer bespoke programmes in health, nutrition and alternative medicine, aimed at individuals and companies.

• Read more about the plans: Look what is planned for well-known East Dene premises

The potential layout of East Dene. (Image: Re-Format) (Image: Re-Format)

• Read more: "We're devastated" say East Dene owners as closure announced after Covid

At a meeting on Thursday, VTC recognised the proposal had merit in preserving and restoring the building, while creating employment opportunities.

But councillors said the development should be sympathetic to the local environment and they raised significant areas of concern.

Cllr Jim Toogood argued the redevelopment would never work, claiming it would be practically impossible for construction lorries to get through the village without causing damage to cars, stone-wall-lined roads and the 11th Century St Boniface Church.

• Read more: Could village's narrow roads cope with traffic to proposed wellness retreat?

He said it seemed like just a business exercise, with no consideration for anything else and that issues had not been dealt with in the application.

Councillors also thought increased traffic in the area would pose a serious risk to pedestrians, as the roads are part of the coastal path.

• Read more: When East Dene played host to a Grange Hill vs Medina High tussle

The proposed look of the eco lodge to be added to East Dene. (Image: Re-Format) (Image: Re-Format)

The proposed eco-lodges would be set in woodland and have log burners and Island Roads told VTC there was a fear the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service would be unable to reach some of them if they needed to.

There were also fears for the lodges' impact on local wildlife.

National charities seeking to preserve heritage, The Victorian Society and The Georgian Group have also objected to the application, saying East Dene is a rare and intact example of a marine villa and the proposals would appear 'alien' compared to its surroundings.

CGI proposal of the spa and gym pavilion at East Dene. (Image: Re-Format) (Image: Re-Format)

They also called it an 'overdevelopment' which would significantly alter the site's special character.