PLANS to demolish a Red Funnel Ferry Terminal in order to build a new one have been rejected.

As previously reported in the Daily Echo, plans had been submitted to build a new terminal building and marshalling yard in East Cowes on the Isle of Wight.

But at an Isle of Wight Council Planning Committee last night the plans were refused.

Red Funnel had said the £6.5 million scheme would create up to 200 jobs and create a “better gateway” to the island, but the rejection could force them to rethink their plans for their new Southampton terminal at Trafalgar Dock.

The plans had proved polarising amongst the island's residents with a pro-Red Funnel petition gaining more than 1,430 supporters while more than 800 opponents to the scheme sign up through the East Cowes Community Forum.