Plans for nearly 150 homes on green fields in Gunville are a step closer — bridging the gap between already permitted developments.
Two applications — one for outline permission for 113 dwellings and the other for full permission for 36 dwellings — are heading to the Isle of Wight Council’s planning committee next week, with conditional approval being sought.
The hybrid application is said to be phase one of the development, which was submitted by DN Associates.
Sandwiched between developments
The properties would be built on land behind Arthur Moody Drive and Forest Hills and sandwiched between developments of 100 dwellings to the north, off Ash Lane, and 22 to the south, on Alvington Manor View.
If the applications were to be approved, it could see 271 further houses extending Gunville.
35 per cent would be affordable
Of the 149 properties being considered, it is proposed 35 per cent, roughly 52 homes, would be affordable.
The outline permission is only seeking matters of access and landscaping considered now, with appearance, layout and scale reserved for later consideration.
Under presumption in favour of sustainable development
The Isle of Wight Council is under the presumption in favour of sustainable development due to the council failing to meet government housing targets, unless there is an impact that would significantly or demonstrably outweigh the benefits and, as such, the development has been recommended for conditional permission.
The applications would be subject to 18 and 12 conditions respectively, with the outline proposals having the fewer conditions.
IWC: Would provide much-needed housing
In the report supplied by the council’s planning officers, they said the proposed development would provide much-needed housing within an area of land with existing residential development on three sides, minimising the impact of the character on the area.
Between both applications, 147 objections have been submitted from residents, MP Bob Seely and Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council, citing highways safety issues, flood risks and lack of privacy among their comments.
With the increased vehicle traffic, residents were concerned it would cause traffic issues around Gunville and into Carisbrooke.
Provision of housing outweighs traffic impact
Planning officers said the wider scheme would have some impact on the highway network, notably queuing at the Waverley Roundabout at the top of Carisbrooke High Street at peak times, but provision of housing would outweigh this impact.
Along with the housing, the development would, by a section 106 legal agreement, also extend the public right of way, forming part of the West Wight cycle track and secure contributions of £50,000 towards sustainable transport.
Called in by former councillor
The planning committee will discuss the application on Tuesday as it is a major development, but it was also called-in by former Carisbrooke and Gunville councillor John Hobart.
Current councillor Joe Lever, who won the seat in the May election, has also objected to the application.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is part of. Read here to find about more about how that scheme works on the Island. Some alterations and additions may have been made by News OnTheWight. Ed
Image: Lex Photography under CC BY 2.0
