David White, Bonchurch:

Local residents, Islanders and visitors are preparing to fight against revised plans for commercial development to East Dene in Bonchurch and its surrounding landscape area.

They also hope that many other visitors who enjoy visits to Bonchurch will join the protest regarding the proposed plans.

Although original plans were were considered unacceptable in content, revised plans have again been submitted.

These plans however still threaten siting holiday chalets, swimming pools, and two car parks within the unspoilt grounds fronting the coast, plus adding a modern building in the grounds and turning the house into a commercial hotel and holiday apartments.

East Dene and its historic estate is possibly the last Tudor/Gothic seaside villa to date left on the Island of which has a preservation order attached.

Public organisations such as Historic England, the Victorian Society and many more have all joined to oppose such a commercial development.

The historic area with its 11th century church, unspoilt coastline and unique landscape has over many years been an attraction for Islanders, as well as visitors, with its tranquillity, ancient stone walls and quiet small lanes.

Local people as well as visitors fear that even under the present revised planned developments this historic public amenity would be be lost forever.

Also due to its limited accesses to East Dene, safety concerns have been cited, which local people say could only be addressed by destroying some of the village's ancient stone walls, some of which date back centuries. 

Plans and comments can be found on the Isle of Wight Council planning website under application 22/02249/FUL and 22/02250 LBC.