Thanks to Mark for this report from Tuesday’s meeting of the Ryde Town Council planning committee. Ed
Unanimous recommendation for refusal of the planning application to build on land part of Westridge Farm, Hope Road, Ryde was the decision after a vote by Ryde Town Council Planning Committee earlier this week.
The greatest number of residents seen attending a local planning meeting since Pennyfeathers, gathered at the Methodist Church, Garfield Road, Ryde Tuesday evening to express their many concerns.
Real issues aired
Substantive reasons for refusal were given by both the Committee and residents present.
Very real issues from local infra-structure, road capacity, traffic and increased road safety risks through to provision of local services and the protection of the increasingly rare habitat created by a working dairy farm and local land that has been farmed since before the Doomsday Book.
Concern for wildlife
Chris Packham BBC Springwatch presenter it was revealed during the meeting is aware of the threat to the farm and the habitat that it provides for wildlife.
Those attending the meeting were informed of the many endangered Red Listed wildlife seen using the very fields that the landowner wants to build 80 dwellings on including over two hundred parking spaces.
“The rape of the countryside”
David Marshall, local resident said,
“I have lived close to the farm for all of my 83 years.”
He went on to give a heart felt description that resonated with those present of how generations have worked the farm and cared for the land.
He summed up the proposal to build on the land as “Nothing more than the rape of the countryside”.
Vital to lodge comments
Mark Gaskin of residents action group Save Westridge Farm said
“Westridge Farm as one of the last remaining working Dairy Farms on the Island is a very valuable resource for the whole Island. We must protect it for both present and future generations, and also for all the wildlife it provides for.
“The unanimous vote by Ryde Planning Committee was fantastic, but I would remind residents that it is vital that they get their objections to the Planning Office by close of business this Friday 1st July.
“They can do this on the planning section of IWC Website, and I would urge people to connect with Save Westridge Farm for lots of information and guidance on how to submit their objections.”
For more information about the Save Westridge Farm campaign group, visit their Facebook Page.
