Blackgang deal a step closer

By Emily Pearce

Friday, January 4, 2013

 

A DEAL to sell Blackgang Viewpoint car park to the company that owns Blackgang Chine has moved a step closer.

Vectis Holdings has today (Friday) been confirmed as a special purchaser of the site, currently owned by the Isle of Wight Council.

The decision was made under delegated powers by council deputy leader Cllr George Brown.

Vectis Holdings, which also owns Robin Hill, wants to combine the car park with its land to create an information centre for the tourist attraction and catering facility with public toilets.

The council is set to impose conditions on the sale, agreed by Vectis Holdings, that the car park remain free to the public, with a minimal reduction in spaces, and the iconic view towards The Needles must not be obstructed.

Vectis Holdings has been deemed a special purchaser because it owns land adjoining the car park its plans will benefit tourism, according to the council's delegated decision report.

Reporter: emilyp@iwcpmail.co.uk

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by Richard Taylor

5th January 2013, at 09:49:13

Sorry iPad got stuck. Usual broadband problem.

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by Richard Taylor

5th January 2013, at 09:43:38

Can someone explain what delegated powers actually means? It just seems a tool for the council to asset strip property which belongs to us the tax payer and not them. As Mr Justice says why would you sell this prime site in this way if you wanted the best price? Unless of course the usual dodgy dealings are going on, it's not that far from Undercliff Drive I suppose.........

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by Richard Taylor

5th January 2013, at 09:43:32

Can someone explain what delegated powers actually means? It just seems a tool for the council to asset strip property which belongs to us the tax payer and not them. As Mr Justice says why would you sell this prime site in this way if you wanted the best price? Unless of course the usual dodgy dealings are going on, it's not that far from Undercliff Drive I suppose.........

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by Mr Justice

5th January 2013, at 09:06:40

This sale is a mystery. I cannot think of any sound reason why the council would sell this fantastic site on the cheap to Blackgang, without first offering it on the open market. How long before the District Auditor investigates?

The sale of council land to ASDA seems equally odd. They are claiming that the cash required to transform the Guildhall is a part of the benefit of the new superstore. So how does that sit with ASDA not yet having planning permission? How can the IOW council planning committee be independent when the same council already spent the proceeds?

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by alan naylor

5th January 2013, at 02:05:18

when the council sells off the peoples propertyAND IT BELONGS TO THE PEOPLE why d ont they include a perpose of use clause its quite simple because car parking fees will be interduced appertments will be built for the mainland rich

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by alan naylor

5th January 2013, at 02:05:17

when the council sells off the peoples propertyAND IT BELONGS TO THE PEOPLE why d ont they include a perpose of use clause its quite simple because car parking fees will be interduced appertments will be built for the mainland rich

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by Paul Magee

5th January 2013, at 01:50:53

Sounds like a good move! I'd love to be the one owning the Cafe / Ice Cream Parlor / equivalent up there - fantastic potential! (In the summer months!)

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by Richard Taylor

4th January 2013, at 16:16:48

Can we all remember the phrases 'free parking' and unspoilt view.

Any views or opinions presented in the comments above are solely those of the author and do not represent those of the Isle of Wight County Press.

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