“Please don’t turn Niton into another over-built area.”
The Isle of Wight Council has received more than 80 objections to plans for 54 houses — 19 of which are affordable — on a greenfield site in Niton.
A wrap-around development
Outline plans have been submitted by Tallulah Estates, for the wrap-around development, filling in agricultural land at Ladyacre Farm on Pan Lane.
Now the plan is to be discussed at a brought-forward meeting of Niton and Whitwell Parish Council’s planning committee tonight (Monday) in the village hall at 7.15pm
The date of the meeting was changed to allow time for the council’s views to be submitted to the Isle of Wight Council before its deadline on Friday.
Impact balanced with benefits
Planning agent for the scheme, Andrew White, said while a development of this scale would clearly result in change, the impact of the change must be considered and balanced with the benefits of the development.
Residents of the village, however, are objecting to the development citing concerns the increase in housing is too large for the area, flooding risk and negative effect on the dark skies designation ambition for the Island due to light pollution.
Impact of traffic
Another concern for residents is the potential impact of traffic and the proposed priority junction with Newport Road, described as being far too close to a blind bend in the road, creating a serious hazard to road users, horse riders and pedestrians.
Island Roads has looked at the plans, and while needing more information before it gives its final verdict on the scheme, has said the junction should be revised, but due to its excessive width and not positioning.
Limited parking
Parking on Newport Road could be shrunk further, Island Roads say, acknowledging it will have a negative impact on the already limited availability.
Services already stretched
The primary school, doctors and local bus service are all said to be stretched, with few employment opportunities in the village, and there are fears the problems will only be exasperated further.
One objector said,
“Niton is a well-balanced village at the moment, but it is steadily approaching a point of overload with regards to the basic infrastructure.
“If this continues Niton will soon lose its identity as a village and it will very probably become a haven for second-home owners where the locals cannot afford to live, even with the so-called affordable homes.”
Another said,
“This type of development may answer the national housing shortage but does not relate to local needs and is inappropriate to Niton.”
Have your say
You can view the application, 21/00793/OUT, by visiting the council’s planning register.
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: © Tallulah Estates
