THE multi-million-pound redevelopment of Bembridge Lifeboat boathouse can go ahead.
Planners gave the thumbs-up to the RNLI’s revised plans, despite hearing concerns the number of public toilets proposed as part of the scheme was inadequate for the number of summer visitors.
Richard Weeks, deputy divisional inspector, told the planning committee the organisation had worked very hard and expended considerable resources over the past few years to design a scheme that fulfilled its operational requirements but was also acceptable to the local community.
"The existing facility falls far short of the modern-day standards the RNLI strives to provide for its volunteers in many respects," he said.
"I firmly believe our volunteers should expect nothing less in return for the sacrifice they make on their time and, on occasion, their lives to serve the people of this community and others."
Mr Weeks emphasised the proposal was at the lower end of the RNLI scale in terms of size for operating a D Class inshore lifeboat.
Grahame Hall, lifeboat operations manager, said the new station, at the end of Lane End Road and Fisherman’s Walk, incorporated much-needed crew changing facilities and proper training areas, as well as the RNLI shop and a public disabled toilet.
Councillors also heard the curved roof previously proposed had been dropped in favour of a more traditional building with gabled roofs.
However, Jacquie Martin, who lives behind the development, told councillors she felt the building would not harmonise with the surrounding area due to its height and bulk.
The proposed toilet block, comprising three unisex cubicles, also came in for criticism from Bembridge member Cllr Jonathan Bacon, who said it represented a large reduction on what was there now.
He said the current toilet provision already resulted in queues during the summer.
Meanwhile, the council’s own planning archaeologist advised the existing building, built in 1867, should be retained because of its heritage value.
But councillors approved the scheme by ten votes to one, after Bill Murphy, head of planning, urged caution on refusing the application on toilet provision alone.
Reporter: martinn@iwcpmail.co.uk