Together For Sandown

15/06/2026

Do you know where to report issues in Sandown?

Whether it’s a pothole, fly-tipping, a broken streetlight, or anti-social behaviour, reporting it is the single most effective thing you can do to get it fixed. Councils and agencies can only act on what they know about, and every report counts.

We’ve put together a handy guide showing exactly where to report the most common issues around town, so no more wondering who to contact or where to go.

See the poster below and save it for future reference!

Together, we can keep Sandown looking and feeling its best. The more we report, the more gets done.

07/05/2026

Today is the day, polling stations are open 7am – 10pm, remember you will need photo ID. Please do vote.

Thank you to all those that have supported me throughout the campaign, regardless of the result tomorrow, I will be continuing to work for Sandown. I just sincerely hope it will be from County Hall as well.

If elected amongst other things I am committed to:

• More direct action to tackle our derelict buildings, through enforcement, CPO or other means

• Supporting all generations but particularly our young people, with increased opportunities and through tackling the school place planning crisis

• Safeguarding our environment, and challenging those that would harm it, we should not let Southern Water mark their own homework

• Fighting for Sandown, above all else, with no party allegiance, or national agenda to follow, I can put Sandown first, every time

Finally, I would say, that from the campaign, online, and on the doorstep, it has become I think quite clear that this is a two horse race, between myself and Reform. So while I am not a huge fan of tactical voting, you’ve not seen us splashing bar charts and saying only so and so can win here. I would ask you to strongly consider, whether you feel your interests will be best served by a local independent candidate, with an established track record, who can truly put Sandown first every time. Or whether you are best served by a Reform councillor, whose only campaign literature was entirely focused on national issues they will have no control over.

Promoted by Alex Lightfoot, 12 Vinings Road, Sandown, PO36 8DU

30/04/2026

𝗜𝘀 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺?
Planning policy is not the main cause of our derelict sites. Landowners inaction is causing harm to our town, our community, and causing the public health crisis identified in Together For Sandown's dereliction report.

I firmly believe in making evidence based decisions, so for those that are interested, below is a short summary and the evidence on a number of sites around Sandown that planning is not the block. I’ve provided links and also put each properties Unique Property Reference Number (as the planning portal is sometimes not great with links), allowing you to look them up for yourself on the IOWC planning portal - https://publicaccess.iow.gov.uk/online-applications/search.do?action=property&type=custom&searchType=Application .

𝗘𝘀𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗹 – 𝗨𝗣𝗥𝗡: 𝟬𝟭𝟬𝟬𝟬𝟯𝟯𝟮𝟵𝟰𝟯𝟰
https://publicaccess.iow.gov.uk/online-applications/propertyDetails.do?activeTab=relatedCases&keyVal=PNBJ2SIQ02602
The Esplanade Hotel has one application since it ceased trading, its of particular note as it highlights exactly what we are saying, proposed change of use away from being a seafront hotel, to a mix of 14 residential and 6 holiday apartments, planning permission granted. No movement on actual development yet, but site tidied up due to S215 planning enforcement.
Planning is the block? 𝗡𝗢

𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗹 – 𝗨𝗣𝗥𝗡: 𝟭𝟬𝟬𝟬𝟲𝟮𝟰𝟯𝟰𝟳𝟮𝟮
https://publicaccess.iow.gov.uk/online-applications/propertyDetails.do?activeTab=relatedCases&keyVal=002VUYIQLI000
The Grand has 4 planning applications on record, 2012 application was refused, but the revised scheme in 2014 was approved, but never acted upon. A planning application for restoration work was withdrawn, and planning permission for replacement holiday apartments was granted. Progress is slow, but at least work is being undertaken.
Planning is the block? 𝗡𝗢

𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗼𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘁 – 𝗨𝗣𝗥𝗡: 𝟭𝟬𝟬𝟬𝟲𝟮𝟳𝟬𝟳𝟬𝟰𝟳
https://publicaccess.iow.gov.uk/online-applications/propertyDetails.do?activeTab=relatedCases&keyVal=003DGKIQLI000
Savoy Court has 2 planning applications on file, first was outline permission for the demolition (which was undertaken) and the building of 19 flats, which was granted in 2014. A new application was brought forward in 2018, which was also granted, but never acted upon. Some improvements and clearance have happened on site, due to S215 planning enforcement, but this site continues to have a significant detrimental impact. No development.
Planning is the block? 𝗡𝗢

𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗯𝘂𝗿𝘆 𝗛𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗹 – 𝗨𝗣𝗥𝗡: 𝟬𝟭𝟬𝟬𝟬𝟴𝟱𝟳𝟯𝟵𝟭𝟭
https://publicaccess.iow.gov.uk/online-applications/propertyDetails.do?activeTab=relatedCases&keyVal=000S66IQLI000
Involved in the Carlauren fraud, this was bought by an island businessman who promised action, but then never undertook development or ever applied for planning permission. No planning applications made at all since it ceased trading. There are now new owners, who are in the early stages and are engaging with the Town Council.
Planning is the block? 𝗡𝗢

𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗕𝗮𝗿 – 𝗨𝗣𝗥𝗡: 𝟬𝟭𝟬𝟬𝟬𝟯𝟯𝟮𝟬𝟭𝟳𝟰
https://publicaccess.iow.gov.uk/online-applications/propertyDetails.do?activeTab=relatedCases&keyVal=00060LIQLI000
Involved in the Carlauren fraud, but subsequently split off from the Ocean and auctioned. Kings has 2 planning applications on record, most recent was just 6 months ago, to convert it to residential, which was granted. No development.
Planning is the block? 𝗡𝗢

𝗧𝗮𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰 𝟮 – 𝗨𝗣𝗥𝗡: 𝟭𝟬𝟬𝟬𝟲𝟮𝟰𝟯𝟰𝟳𝟮𝟰
https://publicaccess.iow.gov.uk/online-applications/propertyDetails.do?activeTab=relatedCases&keyVal=002VV1IQLI000
There has only been one application since the hotel ceased trading due to the fire. This application was refused because it failed to provide evidence for a number of planning policies both local and national.
Planning is the block? 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗱, 𝗱𝘂𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻.

𝗖𝘆𝗴𝗻𝗲𝘁 𝗛𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗹 – 𝗨𝗣𝗥𝗡: 𝟬𝟭𝟬𝟬𝟬𝟴𝟱𝟳𝟯𝟱𝟲𝟮
https://publicaccess.iow.gov.uk/online-applications/propertyDetails.do?activeTab=relatedCases&keyVal=PEVS9WIQ02603
2 applications, both withdrawn, no applications in the last 4 years under previous owners. Ownership currently in dispute, planning enforcement underway, with structural reports just completed.
Planning is the block? 𝗡𝗢

𝗦𝘁. 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘇 𝗛𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗹 – 𝗨𝗣𝗥𝗡: 𝟬𝟭𝟬𝟬𝟲𝟳𝟲𝟮𝟰𝟲𝟵𝟳
https://publicaccess.iow.gov.uk/online-applications/propertyDetails.do?activeTab=relatedCases&keyVal=000X90IQLI000
3 much older applications, all granted, no application since ceased trading due to the fire. No development.
Planning is the block? 𝗡𝗢

𝗢𝗰𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗛𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗹 – 𝗨𝗣𝗥𝗡: 𝟬𝟭𝟬𝟬𝟬𝟯𝟯𝟮𝟬𝟬𝟬𝟱
https://publicaccess.iow.gov.uk/online-applications/propertyDetails.do?activeTab=relatedCases&keyVal=0005S5IQLI000
The centre of the Carlauren fraud, no relevant applications have been brought forward, the principle issue with this site is the 50 in situ leases that formed part of the fraud. Options outside of CPO (which Together For Sandown wish to explore) are very limited.
Planning is the block? 𝗡𝗢

𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗛𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗹 – 𝗨𝗣𝗥𝗡: 𝟭𝟬𝟬𝟬𝟲𝟮𝟰𝟯𝟰𝟳𝟬𝟯
https://publicaccess.iow.gov.uk/online-applications/propertyDetails.do?activeTab=relatedCases&keyVal=002VTBIQLI000
Just the 1 planning application, for a partial conversion from Hotel to residential of the north wing, granted. Another sea front hotel granted residential permission.
Planning is the block? 𝗡𝗢

𝗭𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗲𝘀 – 𝗨𝗣𝗥𝗡: 𝟬𝟭𝟬𝟬𝟵𝟱𝟴𝟱𝟱𝟲𝟳𝟭
https://publicaccess.iow.gov.uk/online-applications/propertyDetails.do?activeTab=relatedCases&keyVal=QT3H4QIQ02600
5 applications of which 4 were granted the other withdrawn. Most recent application was just a resubmission of the same previous planning, this was granted, and is active until December 2026. Zero action taken. No development.
Planning is the block? 𝗡𝗢

Promoted by Alex Lightfoot of 12 Vinings Road, Sandown, PO36 8DU

29/04/2026

Following the Island Echo and Isle of Wight News from On the Wight posts today we thought it might be interesting to share some insights.

What a Reform led Isle of Wight Council could mean for the Island.
With campaign material arriving thick and fast by the end of this week, many people in Sandown are trying to understand what different parties might do if they take control of the Isle of Wight Council. Reform UK have currently only shared their National promises literature without a clear manifesto for the island and for us locally in Sandown, so......

This post simply shares publicly available information about what Reform run councils elsewhere have already done, and what that could mean for our area if the same approach were taken here.

What Reform run councils have done in other parts of the England and how this could affect residents on the Island.

If the Isle of Wight Council were led by Reform UK, the Island’s unique challenges—ageing population, high social care demand, limited reserves, and reliance on partnerships—would shape what is realistically possible.

Based on Reform’s actions elsewhere, Isle of Wight could see:

Symbolic changes
• Removal of Pride and Ukrainian flags from council buildings.
• Rebranding of departments to remove climate or equality related language.
• Less emphasis on the Island’s Biosphere status and environmental branding.

Housing & planning
• Stronger resistance to major housing developments.
• Slower progress on infrastructure projects that require borrowing (roads, schools, care facilities). This could be popular with some residents but may worsen affordability for younger people and key workers.

Council tax & local charges
• Reform councils elsewhere have talked about cutting “waste”, but some have still prepared large council tax rises due to financial pressures.
• On the Island—already reliant on Exceptional Financial Support—major tax cuts are unlikely to be achievable in practice.
Impact on services

Because the Island has high social care needs, statutory services cannot legally be cut, but Reform run councils have seen friction with officers when proposals clash with legal duties.

Possible impacts include:
• Reduced focus on preventative services (youth, early help, mental health).
• Pressure on community and voluntary sector partnerships that Sandown relies on.

Environment & tourism
• Reform councils have deprioritised environmental, climate and renewable energy initiatives.
• For Sandown—where tourism, environment and coastal identity matter—this could affect funding for environmental projects and long term coastal resilience work.

This is not about telling anyone how to vote
It’s simply about helping residents compare:
• What Reform led councils have already done elsewhere, and
• How that differs from the current Isle of Wight Council’s direction,
…so everyone can make their own informed choice on Thursday 07 May.

If you’re unsure, always check multiple trusted sources and speak to candidates directly.

We understand for many people they are fed up with the Labour and Conservative running central government, voters want an alternative.

Together for Sandown has no National or Central Government agenda.
We simply want to ensure the town County Council representations are the right ones.

These are LOCAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS tackling local issues affecting our Town.

28/04/2026

Sandown desperately needs motivated, well informed local focused IWC County Council representation.

Since May 2025, Sandown Town Council (led by its Together for Sandown Councillors T4S) has begun pushing a more ambitious and progressive agenda, often working beyond the traditional scope of a town council to help address the challenges Sandown faces, because Isle of Wight Council was not doing enough. In a place that has struggled with ineffective Isle of Wight Council Councillor representation, STC Together for Sandown Councillors are stepping forward to provide leadership, vision and a long term focus on regeneration and place making.

Rather than accepting the idea that Sandown should simply give free reign to developers (this is the stance of other election candidates and existing non T4S Councillors), who would rather just approve every planning application regardless of its impact on the town.

Our position is clear: the town needs a coherent regeneration strategy, and any development should support and complement that vision — not undermine it. Some proactive developers support our stance.

That means protecting commercial assets, preserving opportunities for tourism and local services, and challenging unrealistic planning applications that make little commercial or community sense.

Progress hasn’t always been easy, and some initiatives have been muted at Isle of Wight Council. But direction matters. For the first time in a long while, Sandown has a town council asking what kind of place we want to become — and working to ensure growth benefits the whole town, not just short term interests.

Change takes time.
But leadership, aspiration and persistence are where it starts — and that work is now underway.

By supporting Together for Sandown both at Town and County Council level, you are supporting representatives that focus on the people in the town first, its opportunities and its future.

What do you think would help restore confidence that Sandown’s future is finally being taken seriously?

It's time to change our Isle of Wight County representation
Sandown's voice has not been heard loud enough at County Hall.
Get Sandown's voice heard - vote for:
Alex Lightfoot and Paddy Lightfoot

20/04/2026

As the weather begins to turn nice again, you’ll probably find yourself out and about around town more often. As you’re walking about you have a golden opportunity to help make sure the community is safe and the town is tidy.

If you see antisocial behaviour drop a quick phone call on 101 or email: [email protected]

If you see bins overflowing, fly-tipping, dog fouling, graffiti, broken pavements etc make a quick report on:
https://fms.islandroads.com/

If you use the public toilets and notice they’re not open when they should be drop a phone call to 01253 593 141

If you see a fellow member of the public in need of help, contact:
https://www.iow.gov.uk/article/3010/Report-a-safeguarding-concern

Data is king in ensuring that our services are directed to right place at the right time and you can make that happen.

Take 5 minutes today to favourite the links above or add a telephone contact to your phone.

And next time you’re walking the dog or strolling down the high street, make a difference along the way.

Thanks everyone and enjoy the sea, sun and sand(own)!

Report, view, and discuss local street-related problems.

15/03/2026

TIME FOR CHANGE

With IOW Council finances being in such a perilous state and the impending devolution, it is unquestionable that the next IOW Council has massive challenges. The impact of how it deals with those challenges will affect the Island for many years to come.

As a group we are delighted to announce that we will be supporting Alex and Paddy Lightfoot in their bid to represent Sandown in the North and South Wards. Both candidates have a track record of getting things done and working for the benefit of Sandown and its residents, whether Chairing Sandown Town Council or painting railings. They have been instrumental in delivery of the Place Plan and establishing Building the Bay Steering group, which is now delivering real benefits in Sandown and the Bay. This has also lead to developing working relationships with IOW Council officers.

If elected it promises to be a really challenging period, but Alex and Paddy are ready for that challenge and are ready to continue putting Sandown first…no politics! We hope you can join with us and vote for them on the 7th May.


We will be holding a number of meet the candidate events before the election so you can come and talk to Alex and Paddy.

03/03/2026

Sandown Annual Town Meeting – Have Your Say!

Join us for this year’s Sandown Annual Town Meeting on the 9th March @ 18:00 at The Broadway Centre – an important evening for our community and a real opportunity to shape the future of our town.

This year’s meeting will include a special consultation on the Ocean Hotel redevelopment area, giving residents the chance to share their ideas, priorities and vision for what they would like to see happen on this key site. This is your opportunity to help influence how this prominent part of Sandown evolves.

You’ll also hear updates from a wide range of fantastic local organisations and volunteer groups, including:

• Bay Business Association
• Town Hall
• Green Town Volunteers
• Building the Bay
• International School of Rewilding
• Carnival
• Sandown and Lake Football Club
• Bay Youth Project

It’s a great chance to find out about the inspiring work happening across our town, discover new opportunities to get involved, and celebrate the people who make Sandown such a special place.

Whether you want to share your thoughts, learn more about local projects, or simply stay informed – we’d love to see you there.

Let’s shape the future of Sandown together.

16/02/2026

IMPORTANT OPPORTUNITY

Calling all Sandown residents concerned for Sandown's future.
Below is an opportunity to pose challenging questions to the Leader of isle of Wight Council regarding Sandown and its issues.

You could also email your questions to:
1. The Leader of Isle of Wight Council directly:
[email protected]

TALK THE WIGHT
https://l.facebook.com/

ASK THE GOVERNOR:
On Saturday 21st Feb we have IW Council Leader Phil Jordan, joining us in the studio for to answer your questions around:...........
✅Isle of Wight Council
✅The Island in general
✅Devolution
✅The election of Mayor
✅With no questions off limits
✅ IOW Flooding

Join the conversation and have your say, voice your concerns by contacting us, even have your say by phone.

Email| [email protected]

(leave your phone number if you want to take part in the podcast)
DM us your comments

Six possible questions for the Leader of Isle of Wight Council could be:

1. Funding priorities
“Sandown is the most deprived town on the Isle of Wight, with the highest unemployment, highest dereliction, and the lowest population per licensed HMO. Given this, why has Sandown received no Levelling Up Fund or UK Shared Prosperity Fund investment, while Ryde has secured over £30 million across multiple rounds?”

“Sandown has received little to no support from Isle of Wight Council… while towns like Ryde… secured a further £20m.”

2. Emergency Services burden
“Fire incidents in Sandown’s derelict buildings have cost emergency services an estimated £2.5–£4 million, with 4,016 crew deployments. What is the Council’s explanation for allowing this level of avoidable public cost to continue for years without decisive enforcement action?”

“The total emergency response cost… is estimated between £2.5 million and £4 million… 4,016 fire service personnel deployed.”

3. Enforcement failure
“Thirteen major derelict sites—some empty for over a decade—continue to blight Sandown. Why has the Council not used its full enforcement powers, such as Section 215 notices and Compulsory Purchase Orders, despite clear statutory justification and overwhelming community support?”

“13+ major derelict sites… Use Section 215 notices, Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs)… to bring sites back into use.” IWC Regeneration Team could have incorporated CPO Legal feels into a Levelling Up Fund bid to tackle Sandown's Ocean Hotel etc. three years ago.

4. Inequality in HMO distribution
“Sandown and Shanklin host 36% of all licensed HMOs on the island, despite representing only 20.5% of the population. What is the Council’s strategy for addressing this disproportionate concentration, and why is there no transparency on hotel placements made by Adult Social Care?”

“Sandown and Shanklin host 36% of all licensed HMOs… despite representing just 20.5% of the population.”

5. Broken commitments and asset mismanagement
“The Council previously committed to ring‑fencing proceeds from the Pier Street toilet block sale for replacement public toilets—yet no such agreement exists. How can Sandown residents trust future commitments when past promises have been quietly abandoned?”

“It was recently revealed… that no formal agreement exists to ring‑fence the sale proceeds for toilet provision.”

6. Strategic vision and accountability
“Given that Sandown’s Conservation Area has been on the national Heritage at Risk Register since 2019, and your own management plan identifies neglect, poor maintenance, and dereliction as critical issues, what is the Council’s long‑term strategy for Sandown—and why has it not been published?”

“Historic England added the Sandown Conservation Area to the ‘Heritage at Risk Register’ in October 2019… The main issues can be summarised as poor building maintenance… derelict sites… lack of investment.”

These are just a few of the many important issues we face as a town.

Please be proactive and take this opportunity to voice your concerns to the people in power.