Plans for a contentious mixed use development that could be built on the edge of an Isle of Wight village have been revised and resubmitted to County Hall.
Stephen Hucklesby’s amended proposals include 60 residential units with a minimum 35 per cent of the homes classed as “affordable housing”, retail floorspace and parking provision at the Heathfield Farm Campsite on the edge of Freshwater and just south of Colwell Road.
Fewer homes and more green space
An updated Design and Access Statement written by Island architects Rainey Petrie Architecture on behalf of Mr Hucklesby said the latest plans contained fewer plots for residential properties to allow for “more open green space” in the interests of “public amenity value” and to aid the movement of reptile species.
It said,
“These proposals represent a well-considered, sympathetic mixed use residential and retail development on a land parcel that has been identified and proven as a viable location for sustainable housing.
“Links to public transport infrastructure are readily available and can be successfully integrated into the proposals.”
Air pollution impact “negligible”
An Air Quality Appraisal prepared by consultants Michael Bull & Associates and an ecology report from the Ecosupport consultancy were also submitted.
Michael Bull & Associates assessed the possible air quality impacts of the proposed development and found modelled changes in pollution to be “negligible”.
Ecological impact
Ecosupport’s research found the site’s hedgerows to be unimportant but deemed on-site bats to be of “county significance” and identified a “good population” of Slow Worm.
The ecology report also detailed mitigation measures and enhancements for bats and reptiles to compensate the proposed development’s possible impacts.
Previously submitted plans comprised 69 proposed residential units and received a large scale backlash from members of the public, Freshwater Parish Council and County Hall representatives including Councillor Chris Jarman and Councillor Peter Spink.
Points of objection included concerns over flooding and drainage, light pollution, impacts on tourism in the west of the Island, road safety and traffic, adverse effects on protected wildlife and housing provision for local need including the affordability of the proposed units.
View the plans
You can view the plans on the council’s planning register (24/00993/OUT).
A public consultation on the resubmitted plans runs until 8th January 2025.
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
