A major Isle of Wight development, with the potential to build more than a hundred homes, could be given the thumbs up next week.
Proposals for land on the outskirts of Cowes, Northwood and Gurnard could also see an 11-hectare green space opened to the public.
Extension to other housing developments
The scheme is an extension to other housing developments in the area and would be accessed from Place Road and Cordelia Avenue.
Put forward by Jorden Valley Estates, the plan seek outline permission for the principle of housing on the site and full permission for the creation of a ‘suitable alternative natural greenspace’ (SANG).
Planning Committee
The Isle of Wight council’s planning committee will consider the hybrid application on Tuesday, 5th March, and members have been recommended to approve the scheme, subject to conditions.
The final number of houses, layout, scale, design and landscaping would be determined in a separate application, at a later date.
Objections
Nearly 60 objections have been submitted, including from Isle of Wight Conservative MP Bob Seely, as well as Gurnard and Northwood Parish Councils and Cowes Town Council.
Concerns include the “unnecessary development of a greenfield site” and the impact that villages would be brought closer together.
Support from officers
Planning officers say the site is in a sustainable location, close to existing houses, services and public transport.
They said the development would not have an unacceptable impact on the character of the area, nor result in additional flooding, adding it could deliver affordable housing.
‘Green gap’ would be maintained
Only a small part of the Jordan Valley would be built on, their report says, and the ‘green gap’ between the areas would be maintained, so the openness of the valley would not be impacted.
The SANG could see more trees planted and habitats for invertebrates, reptiles, birds and amphibians created, in a space approximately the size of ten football pitches.
Planning officers say the SANG would provide a “significant enhancement to the public right-of-way network”.
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
