Ventnor Blog

A group of residents, concerned about the apparent inconsistencies in the planning process and in particular, retrospective planning permission being granted to a serial abuser of the planning process, will be gathering today outside the home of local developer Michael Jennings.

Some refer to people like this (the concerned residents) as a vociferous minority, others feel that the right to express an opinion is central to democracy.

The Planning Committee will be making their site visit to the property, prior to deciding the fate of this contentious application tomorrow afternoon at County Hall.

If the name sounds familiar but you can’t remember why, it’ll probably be due to him receiving the coveted award of VentnorBlog pin-up of the year 2007.

You can read more about the application by sifting through the comments on planning website. It is suggested that Jennings has built beyond that which he had permission for (surely not?). This application has been back and forth with the planning department and after it was refused, even went to appeal with the Planning Inspectorate.

According to the council planning website, in the case officers report for conditional permission ….. he states that …….

The dwelling on site has not been built in accordance with the plans that were approved under planning permission P/02356/05. Assessing the changes in the current application from the approved plans, the following differences are identified:

• Alterations to the size of the dormer window in the western roof slope
• Alterations to the size of the dormer window in the southern roof slope
• Additional rooflights installed in the eastern and western roofslopes
• Alterations to the fenestration details for the undercroft area including covered access
• Digging out to create a basement area.
• Alterations to the materials for the ground floor balcony guard rails
• Addition of a chimney
• Changes to the ground levels on the site
• Shed / summer house erected adjacent to the Undercliff Gardens frontage.

Given that Mrs Jennings wrote in a letter dated 26/10 to the planning department stating that “we will once again and appeal and then we can get our permission and get away from Ventnor and the Isle of Wight forever”, I wonder how the planners intend to ensure that the following conditions are enforced.

2. Any trees or plants which, within a period of 5 years from the date of this planning permission, are removed or become seriously damaged or diseased shall be replaced in the next planting season with others of similar size and species, unless the Local Planning Authority gives written consent to any variation.

or how about ….

3. The pergola feature shown on drawing number 1026 02 rev H, attached to and forming part of this planning permission, shall be constructed within 3 months of the date of this planning permission. Following completion the pergola shall be planted with climbing plants within the first planting season and retained thereafter.

or maybe ….

4. The trellis features which have been installed on the southern elevation of the dwelling shall be planted with climbing plants within the first planting season from the date of this planning permission and retained thereafter.

The committee are expected to arrive at the property at approximately 12.45pm.

Planning, Ventnor