We always welcome a Letter to the Editor to share with our readers – unsurprisingly they don’t always reflect the views of this publication. If you have something you’d like to share, get in touch and of course, your considered comments are welcome below.
Gordon Payne shares this letter below, sent to the IWC, MP and his ward councillor regarding some holiday homes in his area. Ed
Dear Sir/Madam
I realise that the Isle of Wight Council has no power to prevent development from proceeding even though planning permission has not yet been granted.
In this case, however, the development includes flagrant breaches of the conditions previously imposed when permission was granted for an earlier development.
No excavation permitted
On that occasion, the Council stipulated that there must be no cutting into the northern bank of the land which adjoins my property, so as not to destabilise the land.
Not only has the bank been excavated to a distance of several feet, but the trees and shrubs which once grew on the bank and helped to bind the ground have been, not merely cut down, but ripped out by the roots. No retaining wall has been constructed to prevent the collapse of the bank.
Where is the enforcement?
What is the point of imposing conditions – very sensible and necessary conditions – if the Council fails to enforce them? Will the Council share the responsibility for damage to my land and property caused by these breaches they have ignored and, by failing to act, condoned?
Rules exist to protect the environment, and the Council has a responsibility to enforce them. This development is simply lawlessness in pursuit of profit, and the Council appears to be encouraging it.
I strongly urge the Council to enforce the conditions it has itself imposed, before it is too late.
Regards, Gordon Payne
