We're planning some exciting improvements to the visitor facilities at Compton Bay car park, as part of a wider investment in the Compton landscape. This will include making the site more environmentally friendly, whilst updating the area to meet the needs of visitors.
Working with Island-based designers, our plan is to change the car park layout, making it more accessible and safer. We’ll use natural materials to help mark out car parking spaces, and will improve visibility along Military Road. We plan to replace the crumbling tarmac area, which was a pollution hazard, with a new green space, so that people can use it to enjoy cliff-top views, and safely access the food and beverage areas, without the worry of moving traffic.
As well as changes to the layout, we also plan to improve visitor facilities with a brand-new toilet block. The current toilets do not provide the standard of experience visitors expect, with the new block being more accessible and environmentally friendly, allowing more people to enjoy the area.
Inside there will be three unisex cubicles, a larger accessible WC, including baby change facilities, and a ‘Changing Places’ standard cubicle which has the highest standards of accessibility, and provides a hygienic and dignified space, for those that have complex disabilities.
The block has been carefully designed in a modular fashion, allowing it to be relocated if and when cliff erosion requires it. The design of the new block uses sustainable techniques to keep its environmental impact low. This includes as little ground works as possible, and solar energy for lighting. We have designed it to blend into the landscape by using natural materials.
We're waiting for planning approval at the moment but once the improvements commence, we intend for them to be carried out with as little disruption to visitors as possible. The plan is to work in a phased manner to ensure the car park remains open throughout for everyone to access and enjoy, with full closure only required for a brief period to improve site access. We'll let you know more closer to the time.
We hope that the improved facilities will encourage visitors to not only enjoy the beauty of Compton Bay beach but also to explore the wildlife-rich Compton Downs area and to discover the work we are doing here to improve the land for nature.
We are working closely with the Isle of Wight Council to help keep the road open for as long as possible, and the final decision on its future lies with them. Previously we have looked at relocating the car park to an alternative site but felt this would be unpopular, and so decided to invest in the current location, which gives easy access to the bay. This gives us flexibility, as the new toilets have been designed in such a way that they can be moved to an alternative site if needed. Until then, we wish to provide visitors the best possible facilities in a convenient location for access to the coast and beach.
If you’d like to share any thoughts you have on the project, either as a community group or individual, please email comptonbay@nationaltrust.org.uk
December 2022
Documents giving details of proposed plans for Compton car park and toilets submitted to Isle of Wight Council planning department. The plans include a new toilet block and car park layout.
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