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Freshwater field could see development of three new self-build houses

Three new houses could be built in a field on the edge of a large Island village and next to the Isle of Wight National Landscape.

GL Developments IOW Ltd has applied for planning permission to build three self-build houses, an access point, an orchard, a public open space and ancillary infrastructure on land off Queens Road in Freshwater.

Self-build housebuilding
Self-build housebuilding can mean individuals building or managing the construction of their own home from start to finish or projects where individuals commission their home to be built ready for occupation.

A submitted Design Code sets out a series of parameters for the three houses which would sit on three plots within the application site.

Three plots
Each building would not exceed 230 square metres.

Plot one in the western part of the site would be 2,606 square metres while plot two in the centre would be 1,365 square metres and plot three on the field’s eastern edge would be 1,597 square metres.

The developer’s Design and Access Statement said,

“Self and custom build housing plays a crucial role – as part of a wider package of measures – in securing greater diversity in the housing market, increasing overall supply and helping to deliver the homes people want.

“The site comprises of a single field, separated and bordered by hedges and some sporadic trees, particularly to the west.

“The Isle of Wight Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (or National Landscape) covers the southern coastline.

“The proposal is not located within the National Landscape, nor is it environmentally sensitive.

“It falls within the Conservation Area of Pound Green.”

Public open space
The proposed public open space would be within a 1,494 square metre area and would include a ‘feature oak tree’ and public bench.

An orchard with a pond would be 1,708 square metres.

View the plans
You can view the plans on the council’s planning register (24/01839/FUL).

A public consultation on the development runs until 10th January 2025.


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