The campaign to Save Westridge Farm has issued an update this week, on the anniversary of the Isle of Wight council planning committee’s decision to approve an application for 473 new homes on the land of Westridge Farm.
The tenant farmers on the land, the Holliday family, announced in January 2022 that they ‘have no fight left’, are ‘broken and have simply had enough’. They explained why they had decided to move on this autumn.
On behalf of the campaign, Jenna Sabine, who is also a Ryde town councillor, said,
“The majority of the cows have been sold at Westridge Farm and the tenant farmers are planning their move. This is devastating news to the community.”
One year since decision made
Jenna continued,
“It is exactly one year since the fatal night when Isle of Wight council (IWC) planning committee decided after three votes to grant planning permission after a disputed and acrimonious meeting.
“We believe that proper due process was evidently not followed. However, after one year no consent has yet been granted due to IWC not finalising the Section 106 agreement. Until this legal document is signed, the consent cannot be issued and residents’ legal team cannot go to court to start proceedings to seek judicial review.”
Six weeks to challenge
A judicial review challenge has six weeks to take place from the date of consent, explained Jenna. She added,
“This is totally unacceptable and we believe to be a delaying tactic by IWC and the developer to take any momentum out of the residents’ action to seek justice for the decision 12 months ago.”
Jenna went on to say,
“A recent Local Government Association Peer Review (2022) into IWC’s planning process and procedures highlighted their inadequacies and inefficiencies.
“The report emphasised problems within the planning committee process and raised concerns about the length of time legal agreements took and for consent to be granted. This just provides further evidence that a huge injustice happened 12 months ago.”
Sabine: Heatwave shown importance of local food production
The Crowd Justice campaign has raised £18,050 (at time of publishing) and Cllr Sabine finished by saying,
“We wish to reassure you that residents’ legal team have been working hard and have gathered all the legal evidence and statements to immediately start action, as soon as IWC issues consent.
“They have compiled a strong case. We thank you for your support and assure you your donation has been used properly in pursuance of justice. As soon as consent is issued we will inform you. Although sadly, the farm is ceasing, it is still a historic and viable and sustainable farm.
“This extremely hot summer has shown the reality of climate change and the need to protect green fields and local food production land environmentally for future generations. The fight goes on for justice!”
Image: © Artist’s impression of the new Captiva homes
