Plans for new holiday accommodation at popular Isle of Wight attraction, Tapnell Farm, will go back before County Hall's planning committee members tonight (Tuesday), as well as a proposal to turn a care home into a house of multiple occupancy, for ex-offenders and those kicking drug and/or alcohol addiction.

Councillors will met at 4pm, in the Isle of Wight Council's chamber in Newport.

Committee members will consider the future of the former Bluebell House care home, in Ventnor's Mitchell Avenue, which closed in November 2022.

Isle of Wight County Press: The former Bluebell House care home, pictured on Google StreetviewThe former Bluebell House care home, pictured on Google Streetview (Image: Google Maps)

In a letter to the council, its owners said recruitment and finances at the part-government funded facility were critical when it shut its doors.

The Isle of Wight Council was unable to take it on, they revealed, adding a change in use would address a lack of housing, by offering accommodation to single people, freeing up flats and houses for families.

Terraform Development's proposed revised scheme is in conjunction with The Silkworth Project CIC, which works to provide a 'safe and secure environment for people who are overcoming difficulties and attempting to rebuild their lives after addiction and/or related circumstances.'

The documents say the 22-bed HMO would be: Staffed from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday; Fitted with a 24/7 alarm; Home to residents who 'have had some form of treatment and begun to address the issues that they face...which may include substance misuse, homelessness and/or offending behaviour.'

Residents would have to be free of drink and drugs for 30 days to be considered and some offenders would not be allowed to live there at all, the plans say.

Around 50 objections have been lodged with the Isle of Wight Council, but its officers have recommended conditional permission.

The final decision will be made by councillors.

Isle of Wight County Press: County Hall in NewportCounty Hall in Newport (Image: Isle of Wight County Press)

Also being considered is a proposal for more than 30 rectangular tourism pods at Tapnell Farm, near Freshwater.

The scheme was originally debated in June 2023, when it was supported by councillors despite fears about overdevelopment.

The matter was called-in and more information was requested. Extra information about disability access, the impact of nitrates and how the land would be managed is now available.

Tonight, when it is presented again, councillors could decide to approve the final conditional aspects of the scheme, request new changes or reconsider the scheme as a whole.

Officers have recommended councillors award conditional approval, however. 

Isle of Wight County Press: Drawings of what the pods could look like.Drawings of what the pods could look like. (Image: BCM/Tapnell Farm)

The current proposal is for 32 pods, to be mainly used by groups associated with Camp Libertas, which offers activity holidays to eight to 15-year-olds.

The pods would be available to rent year-round, while Camp Libertas's use would mainly be in the summer.

The pods would replace tents, leading to an objection from Yarmouth Council, however there have also been letters in support of the scheme, citing a boost for jobs (an extra ten if permission is granted, according to the applicants), as well as for education and tourism. 

Among those backing the plan are bosses of Visit Isle of Wight and the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce.

  • The meeting starts at 4pm and we will have updates at countypress.co.uk