Two hundred new flats and houses — including some specifically built for key workers — could be built on the outskirts of Newport, if the Isle of Wight council gives a major scheme the thumbs up tomorrow ( 23rd January 2024).
The plans for Acorn Farm, on Horsebridge Hill, have been put forward by Island developers Captiva Homes and partners, Sovereign Network Group.
All affordable properties
The Isle of Wight council’s planning committee could agree to the scheme which would see 131 houses and 72 flats built on the greenfield site.
If planning permission is granted, the housing company could receive £30 million from the government to make all properties affordable.
Officers are recommending the development be approved, after local councillor Andrew Garratt requested the planning committee make the final decision.
IWC: Would provide “much-needed” housing
The planning officers say, in its recommendation report, the proposed development would provide “much-needed” housing within an area of existing residential development in a highly sustainable location.
Overall, 21 conditions could be attached to the permission, setting constraints about drainage, landscaping, highways and parking.
Support from local council
Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council has supported the plans, but also raised concerns about issues including pedestrian safety.
A further 14 objections have been submitted saying the development would create additional traffic on the strategic route and add to the congestion.
Council officers have said while there would be an increase in traffic, with appropriate mitigation, it would not have an unacceptable impact on highway safety.
New access created
A new access to the site could be created with traffic lights which would be triggered when a car is waiting to enter or leave.
The highway on Horsebridge Hill could be widened to allow a left-hand turn lane coming into Newport and create space for cars to pass those waiting to turn right on the way into Cowes.
A 30mph speed limit is proposed for the main highway.
Fears of urbanisation
There were fears the development would urbanise the rural area, but council officers said while the site is an open field it only has a semi-rural feel to it due to the residential properties around it.
Island Roads has not objected to the main highways aspect of the development but said the proposed multi-use path from the site to Dodnor Lane, which would lead onto the existing Newport to Cowes cycle route, should prioritise pedestrians and cyclists.
Article edit
1.55pm 23rd Jan 2024 – “with some” added to headline
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
