Nearly two years after the application was first submitted, the future of affordable houses in Calbourne may be decided next week.
Plans submitted by Vectis Housing, an Isle of Wight housing association, in October 2020, propose the construction of 12 houses — 11 affordable — on Elm Lane.
Affordable homes
The development could compromise four two-bed, six three-bed and one four-bed affordable houses.
Documents supporting the application say the twelfth house, a three-bed property, would go to the landowner as part of an agreement.
Local objections
Calbourne, Newtown and Porchfield Parish Council objected to the plans saying the lack of housing supply on the Island was not a green light for unsustainable development and what was proposed was poor quality, bland and an urbanising design.
Another 37 objections were also submitted.
Recommended for refusal
After revisions and discussions, Isle of Wight council officers are recommending the application be refused, but the final decision will be made by the authority’s planning committee on Tuesday (25th October).
One positive factor of the scheme, officers say, is that the housing would make a small, but positive contribution towards meeting local affordable housing needs.
‘Adverse’ impacts of the development
They say that one factor, however, fails to outweigh the adverse impacts the development would have on highway safety and the area’s character.
As highways authority, Island Roads has recommended refusal due to inadequate access visibility; the increased use of the Elm Lane onto Sun Hill junction, which is substandard in terms of junction visibility, and inadequate pedestrian connectivity.
Would continue the ribbon of development
While the proposed building would continue the ribbon of development along Elm Lane and be viewed in relation to the existing housing from afar, there is no information about the proposed external building materials.
Officers say plans indicate a mix of red and yellow brick but that would not reflect materials locally used and the quality of the design finish would fail to complement and enhance the character and context of the site.
Insufficient info about nitrate neutrality
The application also fails to demonstrate nitrate neutrality, officers say, as there is insufficient information and it cannot be ruled out the water quality in the Solent Catchment Area would not be affected.
Without that information, the council is unable to lawfully grant planning permission for the development.
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
