PLANS to change a recently built cafe into holiday lets in Totland Bay on the Isle of Wight has been refused.

The Bay Cafe was built as part of the multi-million-pound redevelopment of Totland Pier and opened for a season in 2021.

But it did not reopen last summer, prompting questions over its future.

Plans had been hatched by Surrey-based developers, Wooldridge Group to shut the cafe for good, instead of turning the space into five short-stay holiday rental rooms.

The proposals were not met with community support.

Totland Parish Council was among those to object to the plans saying a cafe has been at the site since the 1940s — including the popular Pier Cafe —and has been enjoyed by locals as well as visitors.

It said it supported the original investment plans but was disappointed with the new application as it will lose employment opportunities, a community asset and change the character of the beach area.

A lack of facilities, it said, will deter people coming to the area.

Isle of Wight County Press: The Bay Cafe, pictured by Rob Chiverton of the Isle of Wight County Press Camera Club. (Image: Rob Chiverton / Isle of Wight County Press Camera Club)The Bay Cafe, pictured by Rob Chiverton of the Isle of Wight County Press Camera Club. (Image: Rob Chiverton / Isle of Wight County Press Camera Club) (Image: Rob Chiverton / Isle of Wight County Press Camera Club)

Another objector, commenting on the council's planning portal, said there had been no consideration to the area nor the people and they would like to see a plan that recognises the local community and keeps the cafe as part of Totland Bay.

Isle of Wight Council planning officers agreed with objectors and refused the application last week.

The planning authority determined the change of use would result in the loss of an existing cafe that serves visitors to the area and the local community.

They said the loss of the cafe would have a detrimental impact on tourism provision, the vitality of a key seafront destination and community amenities.

The application also failed to address other planning aspects like nitrate neutrality and the Solent special protection area. It also had an insufficient flood risk assessment.

Further up the pier, at the new restaurant, changes have been approved by the Isle of Wight Council to the internal layout, including new entrance doors.