A major new planning blueprint for the Isle of Wight is due to be adopted by the end of 2019.
The ‘Island Planning Strategy’ will replace the existing overall document which has been in place since 2012.
The new plan will be closely linked to the Island’s regeneration strategy – and will give future clarity to residents, businesses, developers and investors, guiding on future applications and development schemes.
Councillor Barry Abraham, Cabinet member for planning has said:
“We have pledged to review the current ‘Island Plan’ and now the wheels are firmly in motion.
“We have agreed and set underway the timetable for a refreshed and revitalised islandwide strategy. Preparation work is taking place and we intend to begin consultation on the draft plan in June next year.
“It is a tight timetable, but we are determined to have in place a document which is relevant to the Island’s short and long-term future – balancing protection of our environment and landscapes with the Island’s regeneration and growth.”
The new plan will conform with national policies and will also retain the existing neighbourhood development plans on the Island.
It will set out the council’s strategic and detailed planning policies.
More details and the full the timetable can be found at https://www.iwight.com/azservices/documents/2780-07-17-Report.pdf.
The decision to set the process underway was taken by Cabinet member delegated decision, and is subject to the council’s ‘call-in’ process, which means it cannot be implemented until 13th November. ‘Call-in’ is a process under the council’s constitution via which a decision may be challenged on certain grounds.
The timetable for the new plan is set out in a local development scheme, and includes dates for the consultation, submission to the secretary of state, hearings and inspector’s report.
