Government-driven housing targets which could see almost 10,000 new homes built on the Island over the next 15 years look set to be challenged by the Isle of Wight Council.
The authority intends to prepare an evidence-based case that demonstrates the real housing needs of the Island.
Opposition by the people
The move comes in direct response to comments and concerns raised by residents in respect to housing numbers contained in the draft Island Planning Strategy – or Local Plan.
Using a new common formula set down by government for councils to “objectively assess housing need”, the plan proposed an annual housing target for the Island of 641 homes.
Calculation based on fact, rather than formula
Council leader Dave Stewart said the authority had listened to Islanders’ concerns and would now seek to put forward its own calculation based on fact, rather than a formula.
As part of that, he said he would work closely with Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely to argue the Island’s unique circumstances and what could realistically be achieved in terms of housing delivery.
But he warned:
“We can’t just say to the minister we don’t want any houses on the Isle of Wight.
“We have over 2,500 people on our housing register, including people in temporary accommodation, so I don’t accept the argument we do not need houses. I do accept the point that we need the right homes in the right places.
“We must provide homes that meet the needs of the Island; housing of all types and tenures including more affordable housing.”
Evidence-based response
Councillor Stewart said the authority would gather evidence in several ways, including engaging with town and parish councils and the Isle of Wight Association of Local Councils (IWALC), to establish local housing needs information to inform the council’s approach.
Housing is just one element of the Local Plan which sets the approach to planning for the Island up to 2035.
Redrafted and consulted on
The current draft document, which was published for public consultation in 2018, will be redrafted and be subject to further engagement and consultation before replacing the ‘Core Strategy’ which has been in place since 2012.
The council’s planning team is still working through all the comments received during the initial consultation phase to produce a further version of the plan in the new year.
A further consultation will be launched in March 2020.
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