A proposal for three new houses in a field on the edge of a large Island village and next to the Isle of Wight National Landscape has sparked debate.
GL Developments IOW Ltd’s application to build three self-build houses, an access point, an orchard, a public open space and ancillary infrastructure off Queens Road in Freshwater has split opinion with 13 public comments submitted against the development, compared to five in favour.
Range of objections
Those objecting, almost all of whom are Freshwater residents, have expressed concerns relating to local need, the proposed location being a greenfield site and within the Pound Green Conservation Area, anti-social behaviour, tourism, road safety, wildlife, traffic and the impact on local services.
The case in favour has been based on the design of the homes, Island-wide housing need, a dismissal of concerns over traffic and local services, the development’s proposed location, how it fits in with the area’s environment and existing housing bordering the site.
Walter: Can you imagine the rubbish created by drinkers on a sunny day?
Freshwater resident David Walter said,
“This is a conservation area and will be spoiled for future generations to enjoy if more homes are shoehorned into a greenfield area.
“The area, if developed with a pond, will become a magnet for anti-social behaviour, can you imagine the rubbish created by drinkers on a sunny day?”
Butchers: Would have a negative impact on the location and wildlife
Another local resident, Jason Butchers, said,
“I object on the grounds that this is a greenfield site in a very pretty area and houses would have a negative impact on the location and wildlife.
“As a community we should surely be protecting these areas and striving to build much needed low-cost housing in suitable areas.”
Kelly: Provides some much-needed housing
Ryde resident Gregory Kelly said,
“I’m in support of this application which provides some much-needed housing on the Isle of Wight.
“Three houses will make zero difference to the local services and traffic on the road.”
Securing greater diversity in the housing market
The developer’s Design and Access Statement said,
“Self and custom build housing plays a crucial role – as part of a wider package of measures – in securing greater diversity in the housing market, increasing overall supply and helping to deliver the homes people want.
“The proposal is not located within the National Landscape, nor is it environmentally sensitive.”
View the plans
You can view the plans on the council’s planning portal (24/01839/FUL).
The public consultation runs until 20th January 2025 and the council is due to make a decision on 10th February.
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