‘It’s like a painting by numbers and doing a disservice to our residents’ — the next stage of a major housing development on the Isle of Wight has been refused, delaying the final product.
The fate of Pennyfeathers was once again discussed by the Isle of Wight Council’s planning committee yesterday (Wednesday), after running out of time at a previous meeting.
Voted six to one to reject
Committee members did not view the application favourably and voted, six to one, to refuse the 900-home development, stating issues with the layout and cycle path.
Leading the refusal, Cllr Geoff Brodie, said the proposed siting of the community centre needed to be nearer to the existing community so people can become integrated with Ryde and not an add-on.
Brodie: Creating major problems
Cllr Brodie said,
“I think you are creating major problems with the layout of this development, major social problems in the future and a better job can be done.
“I will support an application for up to 900 homes on this site if it is a good application and this is not good.”
Churchman: Site layout “appalling”
Seconding the move, Cllr Vanessa Churchman had said she found the layout of the site appalling, with the MUGA and the community centres in the wrong place and too far away from the main estate.
Cllr Brodie also raised concerns about the estate becoming a rat-run, with traffic being funnelled through the main road to avoid snarl-ups at the Westridge Cross junction, but planning officers said that was the intention — moving traffic away from the busy junction.
Lilley: Really disappointed with the proposal
Cllr Michael Lilley said he was really disappointed with the proposal as it could have been inspirational, with 300 desperately-needed affordable homes, but what has been presented was actually painting by numbers and housing chosen from a very poor catalogue.
He said,
”We would be doing a disservice to the community and future generations … we need to say this is not good enough.”
Mysterious nature of the developers
Questions were raised about the mysterious nature of the developers behind the major scheme and how it could be evidenced that housing would be delivered.
The planning applications have been submitted by former Island planner, Glen Hepburn of Hepburns Planning Consultancy. Other parties are unknown.
The applicants can appeal the committee’s decision if they wish, to the government’s Planning Inspectorate.
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
