An application for a launderette that will enhance the 'vitality' of Sandown's town centre has been approved by the Isle of Wight Council.

In an Officer Written Justification, County Hall said Deven Thakrar's proposal to open a business at 11 High Street would be a 'benefit' to the local community and increase footfall in the area.

The launderette would be installed in the former ground floor offices of centuries old Isle of Wight solicitors, Jerome & Co.

Mr Thakrar's business will be within the Sandown Conservation Area but will not have an effect on the 'essential character' of the specially protected zone, and would add vitality to the town, the council concluded.

The officer report said: "The external appearance of 11 High Street would remain unchanged in terms of fenestration and entrance layout and position.

"Therefore, the proposed change of use would not significantly impact upon the character and amenity of the surrounding Conservation Area.

"The submission details a proposed extraction fan system for the front elevation.

"There are no specific details of the design and size of this extractor fan.

"Therefore, a condition is considered necessary to request further
details of the extraction fan system to assess the resultant visual amenity of the fan on the front elevation."

Other conditions attached to the council's approval include development beginning within three years, complying with a submitted ground floor plan and business opening hours between 8am and 8pm from Monday to Sunday, including bank holidays.

One neighbour at 9A High Street objected to the proposal.

Paul Fryatt said: "There will definitely be an increase in the noise levels from vehicles parking, doors opening and closing, voices, conversation levels inside and outside the building.

"The possiblility of vibrations from the washing machines and driers.

"Fumes and moisture content from the proposed vent would be sure to rise up to the flats above which are currently occupied, one of which is lived in by us.

"There are many other residential properties in this area of the high street and to add that amount of noise to an already noisy high street, would be detrimental to many of our mental and emotional well being."

In response to noise concerns, the council said restricted opening hours would prevent 'any significant harm'.