More than two years after plans were first submitted, a decision on a controversial Isle of Wight housing development could be made.
Proposals for 56 houses on Steyne Road in Bembridge have attracted 618 objections from residents, the parish council and the Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely.
Prompted campaign group
They were first submitted in September 2021 by Thornwood Estate IW and led to the creation of campaign group, Build a Better Bembridge.
Objectors say the village does not need a large-scale development which would be unaffordable for local people and it goes against the neighbourhood plan devised by Bembridge Parish Council.
Residents also highlighted a lack of services for new housing, the potential for flooding and concerns with drainage.
If it was approved, however, some called for conditions to be enforced which would prevent holiday occupancy.
Conditional approval
The scheme will come before the Isle of Wight council’s planning committee tomorrow (Tuesday, 23rd January 2024), and is being recommended for approval with 27 conditions.
They include the need for an archaeological trial trench, a construction management plan and a drainage and surface water disposal scheme approved.
Of the 56 houses, 20 would be designated as affordable properties, which the council says would cater for families, first-time buyers or those looking to downsize.
IWC: An overriding need for housing
The authority said there is also an overriding need for housing across the Island due to a lack of housebuilding in recent years and there is a clear need for open market and affordable housing in Bembridge.
The provision of new homes ranging from two to five bedrooms, the council said, would help sustain the village’s school, shops and other facilities.
Open spaces created
Open spaces could also be created and a right of way between Steyne Road, Howgate Road and the coastal footpath.
A decision was supposed to be made last summer, but an error with the public notice meant it was pushed back so further consultation could be undertaken.
Work has already started at the Steyne Road site as planning permission was granted in July 2020 for nine houses.
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
