PLANS to transform two hangars at the Isle of Wight Airport into a new aviation museum are being recommended for refusal.

The Isle of Wight Council's planning committee will consider the plans on December 11 but planning officers are recommending refusal due to highway concerns.

The application seeks a temporary three-year consent for change of use of the aircraft hangar to use as an aeronautical museum, displaying rare and unusual aeronautical exhibits.

It is also proposed to provide a wood working workshop for ‘Men in Sheds’ within the hangar.

‘Men in Sheds’ is an Age UK initiative that seeks to bring together similar skilled men with similar interests, to combat loneliness, boredom and depression in retirement.

No changes are proposed to the external appearance of the hangar as part of the proposal.

Internally the majority of the hangar would be left open plan for the exhibits to be displayed.

While the council received 29 letters of support, highway chiefs raised concerns about access at the junction of Scotchells Brook Lane and the main Newport Road.

In recommending refusal, the committee report states: "It is acknowledged the proposal would develop a niche tourism product which could benefit the local economy.

"The proposal would not result in an adverse impact to the visual amenity of the area or the amenity of neighbouring property occupiers.

"The proposal would, however, result in an increased traffic movements to the application premises compared to the existing use; which would, in turn, increase the use of the existing junction of Scotchells Brook Lane with the A3056 Newport Road and would add unduly to the hazards of highway users."