A decision will be made later this month on whether to allow housing on a controversial site on the edge of Ryde.
More than 180 objections have been lodged against the 50-home scheme on Puckpool Hill, which is coming before the Isle of Wight council for the third time in 18 months.
Conditional approval
The outline plans for up to 50 homes have been recommended for conditional approval by planning officers.
They were first submitted by the RJB SIBA Trust in November 2020, but have been revised to include affordable homes and address other concerns.
181 objections
However, since the plans were first tabled, 181 objections have been submitted and include complaints about the scheme from the Island’s MP Bob Seely, the IW Badger Trust, IW Bat Group as well as CPRE IW.
The three nearest town and parish councils — Ryde, St Helens and Nettlestone and Seaview — have all also objected to the development, citing a loss of valuable green space, the loss of wildlife habitats and an overdevelopment.
Only one supportive comment has been submitted.
Access
The application seeks to find out whether the nature of development is acceptable, but would only approve the scheme’s access.
The final layout, scale, appearance and landscaping of the development would be decided at a later date, if the application is given the green light.
An accessible and sustainable location
In a report compiled by planning officers, they say the housing would be built in an accessible and sustainable location and contribute positively to the Island’s housing need.
The officers say the development would change the character and appearance of the site but the suburban, semi-rural character of the area would be complemented and enhanced by the plans.
Neighbours’ concerns
Neighbours in Woodlands Close have raised concerns the housing would be visually intrusive and overbearing, but officers say this could be mitigated through later applications to ensure adequate separation and an intervening landscape buffer.
They say the development could be accommodated within the site without any detriment to neighbouring amenities.
Officers are recommending if the outline housing application is approved then it is subject to 20 conditions.
Planning committee
The Isle of Wight Council’s planning committee is being asked to determine the application at their next meeting, Tuesday, 21st June.
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
Image: © Google Maps/Streetview
