Four years after plans were submitted for major development of the former Somerton Reservoir, they have been recommended for approval.
The plans, which have now been put forward for approval by Isle of Wight council planning officers, would see a mixture of 146 residential properties built on the brownfield site including:
- 28 three-bed houses
- three four-storey blocks of flats, with a total of 72 two-bed apartments
- one block of 44 assisted living units — four two-bed and 40 one-bed — one staff unit and one guest unit with a gym; swimming pool; restaurant; laundry; kitchen; function spaces and communal sitting areas
- parking would be built into the former reservoir basin
Capacity concerns
Concerns over the development have been raised by the nearby Cowes Medical Centre who said, they would have insufficient capacity, as well as Friends of Northwood Cemetry, Northwood Parish Council and Cowes Town Council.
Arguments over affordable housing
One reason the Heartwood Homes scheme has not yet been determined, despite the long timeframe, is an argument over how much affordable housing would be provided.
With abnormal build costs and challenges due to the nature of the site, the development would be unable to provide the council’s required 35 per cent affordable housing contribution nor a satisfactory financial one.
Only ten per cent affordable housing on-site
A dispute between the council and the applicants over the final market value of the properties reached an impasse so a compromise has been agreed.
In line with national planning policies, the Isle of Wight Council is prepared to allow only ten per cent affordable housing on-site as other specialist accommodation is proposed.
A need to deliver housing
Officers agree with planning agents when they say the proposed design would have a strong impact to grab the eye and would represent a ‘dramatic change’ from the current street scene.
Officers say the change would not be considered harmful or unacceptable in the wider context of the need to deliver housing and optimise the use of a brownfield site.
Objection from bungalow owner
The current bungalow at the site on Newport Road, Cowes, would have to be demolished to allow the development to go ahead though, the council said.
The bungalow’s owner, however, objected to the scheme, back in 2018, and said no agreement had then been reached to demolish it.
Highways improvements
As a result of the development, minor highways improvements have been recommended to the Somerton Roundabout due to the potential increase in traffic.
The roundabout will reach capacity by next year, even without the additional housing, but the mitigation put forward would combat rush-hour traffic.
Conditional permission
If permission were to be granted, following the officers’ recommendation, 22 conditions would be imposed.
The final decision will be made by the Isle of Wight council’s planning committee on 26th April.
You can read more about the officers’ decision on the council’s Website.
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
Image: © Debenham Smith Architecture
