Godshill residents have been told developers have not jumped the gun on preparations for a major housing development in the village
Scotland Farm, near Yarborough Close, has been earmarked for development since 2004, when approval was first given for a nursing home and 94 care cottages, but now nearly 20 years later work is finally starting.
IWC decision imminent
Now, up to 107 one, two, three and four-bed homes could be built on the site by Captiva Homes and a decision on permission from the Isle of Wight council is said to be imminent.
Residents worried buildings have been demolished, greenery cleared and a site office installed without permission.
Work being carried out under existing permission
Captiva, however, has confirmed work is being carried out under existing permission granted for the site.
A spokesperson for the developer said it currently awaits a decision on its application, so no houses can be built.
More than 30 revisions to highway plans
It is not the only concern Godshill residents have had about the site, as revisions to some of the highway plans have been made without publication — other than on the council’s planning portal.
In a comment to the Isle of Wight council, Godshill Parish Council said there have been more than 30 revisions, but they were not noted on the weekly planning listed which would have triggered public scrutiny.
Fair opportunity to comment not given
It said residents would be unaware of the revisions unless they regularly checked the application.
It did not seem like fair opportunity had been given to comment on the revisions, the parish council said, especially given the large-scale nature, impact of development and the strength of local opposition to it.
It requested the revisions were fully advertised before a decision was made.
IWC: Changes were minor
An Idle of Wight council spokesperson said the changes to the application were publicised on the press list as they were considered to be minor in nature or lesser than originally submitted.
Captiva said the revisions had not made any material changes to the plans, but they were available on the planning portal for anyone to review.
Captiva: Goal to deliver properties as quickly as possible
A Captiva spokesperson said they were very conscious of the current housing crisis on the Island and the plans, if approved, would provide much-needed properties and affordable homes.
They said their goal was to deliver the properties as quickly as possible.
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: Daniel McCullough under CC BY 2.0
