THE development of derelict Norris Castle has been branded a millionaires' playground by East Cowes Town Council.

At its meeting last night (Thursday), councillors unanimously voted to object to the major development of the Grade I listed building into a luxury, five-star hotel, by the Norris Castle Estate Group.

The town's residents also voiced their concerns about the plans, raising issues such as proposed access to the site via East Cowes Esplanade, increased traffic, overdevelopment of greenfield sites and housing proposals.

Cllr Sharon Lake said after a visit to the castle, she could not believe what she had seen, as it was not the image of disrepair the council had been fed.

Look inside the castle here ...

Cllr Lake's biggest concern, however, was potentially allowing access to the proposed housing on the Springhill Estate, next door to Norris Castle, and the developers then walking away, which would open up the land-locked site to further residential developments.

  • You can view the plans HERE and HERE.
  • Comments can be submitted until April 8.

Cllr Cameron Palin said while he was supportive of protecting and restoring the castle, he was concerned the plans could cause long-lasting damage.

Isle of Wight County Press: Damage in one of the Norris Castle rooms.Damage in one of the Norris Castle rooms.

He, and other councillors, questioned the viability of the scheme and the use of the public Esplanade to access the site, saying: "They want to access Norris Castle and Springhill via our Esplanade. This is so they can access their multi-million-pound apartments, billionaire homes and the luxury spa you and I will never get a look at, let alone use.

"They will destroy the estate and turn it into a millionaires' playground. I cannot support this application at all."

Isle of Wight County Press: The four areas of the Springhill Estate proposed to have housing. Picture by Rumney Design.The four areas of the Springhill Estate proposed to have housing. Picture by Rumney Design.

Cllr Karl Love said it seemed as if the developers had not listened to what residents had said.

He said: "I would accept a small boutique hotel complex in that area, something which does not do the kind of damage this development would do. There is room for something there, but it has to be to scale."

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.

Martha James, of Plan Research, ECTC's planning consultant, advised the town council to object to all but two of the proposals on which it would have to decide.

Mrs James questioned the lack of detail and said she did not think the Isle of Wight Council would be supportive of the application, as it currently stood, unless there were major changes.

An official comment from ECTC will be submitted to the Isle of Wight Council.