Isle of Wight village to get c-store after three years without one

An Isle of Wight village may once again have a convenience store, after its previous one closed three years ago.

Plans have been lodged with the Isle of Wight Council to build a convenience store and seven homes off Town Lane in Chale — just down the road from the former Chale Green Stores.

The once much-loved village shop was unviable according to its owner Vern Tyerman, and its closure also saw the removal of the Post Office from the parish.

The former village store is in the process of being turned into houses.

Now, a new proposal, submitted by Rachel Peyton, could see ‘Chale Convenience’ built, serving the needs of the rural community, planning documents say, by providing a highly desired service.

On behalf of Ms Peyton, a planning statement by Nova Architectural said the closest shop to Chale is in Brighstone, nearly five miles away, and only accessible via vehicle, so there is an identified local need for one.

The paddock site at the moment, sitting behind Town Lane, is said to be a moderately unmanaged grassland parcel, becoming invaded by bramble and scrub.

As part of the development, seven bungalows and houses could be built. They would range from two to four beds.

Taking into account existing neighbouring properties, the planning agents say the scheme is designed with bungalows at the centre of the plot, with two-storey dwellings on either side to prevent any overlooking.

One supportive comment has so far been left on the application saying they were pleased to see the store plans.

They said: “For too long now, the less fortunate and elderly residents of Chale have been cut off from essential reliable local services without having to rely on public transport.”