A proposal for an Isle of Wight mixed-use development comprising at least 60 homes with a ‘generous’ share of ‘affordable’ housing and a budget retail outlet has re-emerged.
Stephen Hucklesby’s revised outline plans for residential units, a retail site and associated access and infrastructure at Heathfield Campsite next to Freshwater’s Colwell Road have been submitted to County Hall.
Significant opposition
The bid previously encountered significant opposition, including from Empowering Islanders county councillor Chris Jarman, the Campaign to Protect Rural England Isle of Wight and Freshwater Parish Council.
Concerns included those relating to flooding, inadequate drainage, the development’s effect on the area’s character, the timeliness of bat survey reports, increased traffic and resulting congestion, and pedestrian safety.
38% of proposed homes would be ‘affordable’
An updated Design and Access statement from Rainey Petrie Architecture says ‘some 38 per cent’ of the proposed homes would be ‘affordable’.
The development will be on land ‘identified and proven’ as a ‘viable location’ for sustainable housing, with ‘readily available’ links to public transport infrastructure.
The statement says
“When considering the site constraints and desire to retain much of the boundary tree lines, our design proposals have achieved a plot delivery of 63 units, closely matching the council’s speculation and securing a delivery of housing stock in line with their projected numbers.
“Plot numbers have been subsequently reduced to allow for a more open green space to ensure public amenity value of the site and to ensure sufficient on-site translocation of reptile species.
“The proposed residential properties will feature a tenure mix of private retail units together with a minimum 35 per cent allocation of affordable housing, in keeping with local planning policy.
“Following consultation with the planning department and with review of the nature of retail proposals outside of the town centre, it is proposed that the commercial aspect of these proposals is earmarked for a budget retailer.
“Research has shown that budget retailers offer a different product base and market than that of the larger supermarket chains, and as such would not be considered to be in direct competition with smaller retailers within the Freshwater town centre.”
View the plans
You can view the plans on the council’s planning register (24/00993/OUT).
The public consultation runs until 12th December.
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
