A proposal for 3 custom homes and an orchard on greenfield land in the West Wight has been refused after over 120 objections were lodged.
Planners rejected GL Developments IOW’s revised plans for self-build housing, a means of access including a public footpath, open space, and ancillary infrastructure on land off Queens Road at Pound Green.
The applicant previously told the Isle of Wight Council that custom-building homes play a ‘crucial role’, as part of a wider package of measures in securing greater diversity in the housing market, increasing overall supply and helping deliver homes people want.
A council decision report said the proposed development would fail to preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the Pound Green Conservation Area and would cause harm to nearby listed buildings.
It also said insufficient information has been provided to show the proposal would not have an adverse impact on reptiles, other protected species and ecological features.
Objections from the public and Freshwater Parish Council included concern over landscape and visual harm, inadequate evidence regarding surface-water drainage, the development’s negative impact on tourism and there being poor GP services on the Island.
GL Developments previously said the scheme is well balanced, delivering significant benefits without technical conflict to trees, ecology or drainage.
