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This from the Save Westridge Farm Community Action Group. Ed
The Save Westridge Farm community action group is urging all objectors and Island residents to tell Isle of Wight councillors their thoughts on the West Acre Park planning application to build 473 properties on Westridge Farm, Ryde.
On Tuesday 27th July councillors on the Isle of Wight council Planning Committee will be deciding on the planning application (20/01061/FUL).
Petition attracted over 4,600 signatures
Over 4,600 people have signed a petition to save the farm.
If the farm is lost, the majority of countryside and greenfield between the towns of Ryde, Nettlestone and Seaview will be built over creating one big urban area.
Tenant farmers for over 50 years
The Holliday family have been tenant farmers at Westridge Farm for over 50 years.
If planning is granted, not only will acres of farmland be destroyed forever, they will lose both their home and livelihood. Generations of expertise in managing the land to the benefit of both community and nature will be lost.
“I was brought up here, so I know this landscape, I can see it with my eyes shut and to see it all go, under concrete, would break my heart.”
Nigel Holliday, tenant farmer, Westridge Farm
Westridge Farmland Community Initiative
In a recent online survey with over 700 responses, 98 per cent were in favour of Westridge Farm becoming a community-owned farm. As a result, a community steering group Westridge Farmland Community Initiative (WFCI) has been formed.
The initiative has been inspired by Fordhall Farm in Shropshire, which became England’s first community-owned farm, saved from development in 2006.
Support from Plunkett Foundation
WFCI have successfully gained fully-funded support from the Plunkett Foundation and are working with a Plunkett Advisor to harness community support, business and legal expertise in planning a community-owned farm at Westridge Farm.
With the support of the Plunkett Foundation community owned farms have successfully been achieved in communities all over the UK.
Protect Westridge farmland from development
WFCI wants to protect Westridge farmland from development, to continue it being tenant farmed for the benefit of the wider community. Thus ensuing increased community access to the rural landscape and lifestyle, safeguarding the farmland for future generations.
They are seeking feedback from Islanders about what they would like to see in a community owned farm.
Find out more
For more information on how you can join the Save Westridge Farm campaign, including information about how to contact councillors:
The Save Westridge Farm Facebook page or visit the Website
“Once this precious habitat and land is built on it will be gone forever, never again available to future generations as a natural resource for the Island and nature.”
Save Westridge Farm
