The Isle of Wight has a new blueprint for future development after councillors voted to adopt the Interim Island Planning Strategy (IPS) at a meeting last week.
The Interim IPS replaces the council’s previous Core Strategy, which was adopted in 2012, and will now become the key document used to determine planning applications across the Island.
The adoption by Full Council last Wednesday marks a significant milestone for the council, with the Interim IPS becoming only the third new local plan to be introduced for the Isle of Wight in the last 25 years.
Inspectors find the plan sound
Government-appointed Planning Inspectors examined the strategy throughout 2025 and 2026 following a series of public hearings.
They concluded the plan was “sound” following a package of modifications agreed unanimously by councillors, meaning it meets the national test required for local plans.
Inspectors also confirmed the strategy met all relevant legal and procedural requirements.
What the new plan covers
The new plan sets out where housing, employment and other forms of development should take place in the coming years.
It also includes a range of Island-specific planning policies covering issues such as coastal erosion, flood risk, affordable housing and the protection of local green spaces.
Council leaders say the updated policies will provide planners and councillors with stronger tools to help ensure future development addresses some of the Isle of Wight’s most pressing challenges.
These include:
- A definition of affordable housing that is more appropriate for the Isle of Wight than the national definition.
- Measures to manage water from new development, helping to ensure less surface water enters the sewer network.
- Stronger protections for the wide variety of ecological designations across the Island.
- Requirements for new development to contribute towards nature recovery.
Council leader welcomes ‘major milestone’
Councillor Jonathan Bacon, council Leader, said,
“The adoption of the Interim Island Planning Strategy is a major milestone for the Isle of Wight and follows a considerable amount of work by officers, councillors, stakeholders and members of the public over a number of years.
“Having an up-to-date local plan in place provides a clear and robust framework for planning decisions and gives greater certainty for residents, communities, businesses and developers.
“The strategy reflects the unique character and needs of the Island while helping us plan positively for the future. I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the process.
“This achievement would not have been possible without the exceptional dedication of the Planning Policy team, who have worked tirelessly alongside councillors, stakeholders and local communities to develop a sound strategy that will help shape the future of the Island for years to come.”
What happens next
From now on, all planning applications considered by the Isle of Wight Council will be assessed against the policies set out in the Interim Island Planning Strategy.
The Interim IPS, accompanying policies map and the Planning Inspectors’ report are available to view on the Isle of Wight Council website.
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
