Plans for affordable houses in Calbourne have been put on hold.
At the Isle of Wight Council’s planning committee on Tuesday, members decided to defer the plans for 12 houses on Elm Lane — 11 of which would be affordable — so the developer, Vectis Housing, could provide more information.
Information about nitrate neutrality missing
Officers advised councillors the application could not legally be passed, as information about the development’s nitrate neutrality had not been submitted so the correct regulations could not be completed.
They also raised other issues including highway access problems, pedestrian safety and the increased use of the Elm Lane and Sun Hill junction, saying it would result in an unsafe environment for future residents.
Officers had recommended the application be refused but councillors felt it was a very sustainable development that would provide much-needed affordable properties on the Island.
Councillors felt if the main issue of nitrate neutrality was addressed they had a view to accepting the application when it came back before the authority.
Jarman: Proposal to reject plans
However, Cllr Chris Jarman proposed they reject the application as he felt it would not address the other problems officers had with the application and it would be disingenuous of the committee to return the proposals under the illusion they could be resolved.
He proposed a motion to reject but received no seconder so the motion fell.
Brodie: Issues can be dealt with through conditions
Cllr Geoff Brodie said the arguments which had been put against the application were excessive in the extreme.
He said many of the issues, other than the nitrate neutrality one, could be dealt with by planning conditions.
Andre: Vectis Housing seemed to have gone above and beyond
Cllr Debbie Andre said she accepted the nitrates were an issue, but felt Vectis Housing seemed to have gone above and beyond to do everything they could to provide affordable housing for residents and councillors should do everything they can to support it.
A motion to defer the application was proposed, with the majority of councillors supporting the motion except Cllr Claire Critchison who abstained.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
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