Another major housing development in Gunville, branded an ‘urban sprawl’, is being called before Isle of Wight councillors – but planners hope a £45,000 contribution could help solve traffic issues.
Outline plans to demolish workshops and build a residential development — thought to be more than 100 properties — with a means of access on Gunville Road, by the former Friends of the Animals charity shop, have been recommended conditional approval by the Isle of Wight Council’s planning authority.
All other details of the plans including layout, scale and appearance would be decided at a later date.
Traffic concerns
It follows the recent rejection of two other major housing applications in Gunville due to traffic concerns.
One of the committee’s issues was with the mini-roundabout at the top of Carisbrooke High Street, which data shows will exceed capacity by 2025, even without any new houses built in the area.
Officers say there is little if anything that can be done to address the issue but it is not considered to outweigh the benefits associated with the proposed development.
£45,000 to offset negative traffic impact
A ‘sustainable transport contribution’ of £45,000 would be provided if the application is approved, to offset any negative traffic impacts caused by the development.
The money would go towards the Gunville to West Wight cycle track, together with either a multi-use path to the boundary of Carisbrooke College playing fields or surface the existing public right of way.
Officers said the enhancements would encourage alternative means of transport with the potential to reduce pressure on the highway network.
Changes to road layout
Proposed changes to the layout of Gunville Road, if the scheme is approved, would see the removal of the priority flow system, and a replacement zebra crossing instead.
The final number of properties proposed for the partially brownfield site is not yet known although planning documents suggest it could be up to 117 dwellings.
Objections to plans
Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council has objected to the plans, which were first tabled in 2019, saying it is an overly dense proposal.
Among objections from 14 people, was the inadequate road infrastructure, it would be an ‘urban sprawl’ and a loss of green space.
The application will be determined by the Isle of Wight Council’s planning committee next week (Tuesday, 16th November).
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
