East Cowes Town Council meets tonight (Thursday) to consider its response to plans for the historic Grade One listed Norris Castle.

The derelict castle, which once hosted Queen Victoria and Kaiser Wilhelm II, its impressive fortified farm and walled garden and its extensive grounds are covered by plans currently being advertised by Isle of Wight Council.

A site at Springhill is also caught up in the scheme, with plans to build just over 100 houses, which developers say will help fund the restoration project.

Plans for a luxury hotel are in the pipeline for the castle itself, which is adjacent to the English Heritage-run Osborne estate.

The farm, once familiar to many Islanders as a riding centre, would become a spa and wellness centre.

More than 100 houses, including 55 designed as 'senior living' units, would be built at Springhill if Isle of Wight Council's planning councillors give it the go ahead.

A further fifteen dwellings are planned for the Norris estate's seawall and built into hills on its grounds.

A final planning meeting date has yet to be set.

Meanwhile, East Cowes Town Council will dedicate tonight's meeting Thursday, March 31) to talking about the scheme.

Isle of Wight County Press: A dilapidated tower room in Norris Castle, with some of the most modern decor.A dilapidated tower room in Norris Castle, with some of the most modern decor.

Isle of Wight County Press: The former greehouse at the farm, which would be restored.The former greehouse at the farm, which would be restored.

Members gather at the town hall from 6pm. The County Press will have a full report on the comments and response tomorrow.

Objections have been raised to the plans, especially around the proposed properties for Springhill and their potential access, off the town's Esplanade.

Developers argue the work is vital to make the project viable.

There is some support for the plan among comments sent to the Isle of Wight Council, though most are listed as objections.

We can comment on the plans until April 8, however Isle of Wight Council has warned its website will not be accessible between tomorrow evening and Monday morning.

It said: "The council cannot extend the statutory consultation period for an application, but it can and does continue to accept comments made after the close of the statutory period.

"Comments can still be submitted on active planning applications over the weekend - and at any other time - by email via development@iow.gov.uk or in writing to Planning Services, Seaclose Offices, Fairlee Road, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 2QS."  

Isle of Wight County Press: Queen Victoria's former bathroom at Norris Castle.Queen Victoria's former bathroom at Norris Castle.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Read more: Norris Castle developers say why we should back the plans