RED Funnel redevelopment plans for East Cowes, that would not involve demolishing homes and businesses in Dover Road, will be discussed by Isle of Wight Council planners next week.
The plans, which have been recommended for conditional approval, will go before the Isle of Wight Council planning committee, on Tuesday.
Last year, the Isle of Wight Council threw out the original plan, which would have seen Dover Road homes, the White Hart pub and a Chinese takeaway knocked-down to make way for a new marshalling yard.
The ferry firm has lodged an appeal with the planning inspectorate against the refusal of the plans for a new terminal with marshalling facilities, up to 100 homes, shops, leisure and commercial premises and a 60 bedroom hotel.
But in tandem, it has made a fresh planning application due to be heard next week for limited development to form the first phase of the plan.
The application looks to increase by 100 cars the capacity of its marshalling yard to include Trinity Wharf and demolition of the the Redux industrial unit behind Dover Road.
The option retains the two largest Seaholme industrial units, protecting marine employment until the proposed deep-water access to Kingston Marine Park on the Medina is complete and businesses can move there.
In addition, the homes and businesses at Dover Road are to be retained and the threat of compulsory purchase of them withdrawn.
For the full story, please see the County Press on Friday.