Tonight sees the first of two public meetings take place in Freshwater, following rising opposition to a development for 130 dwellings on Camp Road.
Cllr John Medland (Alliance Group), told News OnTheWight that he believes the proposal is faulty on numerous levels.
Medland: Buyers likely to be retired Overners
He explained,
“It does not meet local housing needs for two-bedroomed affordable rental accommodation for workers or warden assisted units.
“The probable buyers of large villa properties are likely to be retired Overners profiting from extraordinary regional house price differentials, who will add to our already chronic demographic/property imbalance which is forcing working age families to leave the West Wight.”
Medland: Will magnify our service overload
Cllr Medland went on to say,
“This most isolated community of our Island has seen a continuous net decline in public social infrastructure and should be the last place on the Island to put more retirement housing, as it will simply magnify our existing service overload.
“About a third of the population here are already pensioners who will inevitably develop complex care and health needs.”
Medland: Flies in face of climate emergency
He finished by saying,
“This six-hectare site is an important part of our landscape, touristically, ecologically and in terms of what local residents consider to be a community asset.
“The design of the dwellings seem to fly in the face of the emerging IWC Climate Emergency strategy.”
Public meetings
The public meetings take place at Freshwater Parish Hall, at the junction of Victoria and Stroud Roads from 7pm on Fridays 10th and Friday 17th September.
Local residents have also organised a campaign and a Facebook group for anyone wishing to be involved.
Have your say
You can view the application, 21/01552/OUT, via the Isle of Wight Council’s planning portal.
Comments can be made until 24th September.
Image: Gunnar Ridderstrom under CC BY 2.0
