A poignant video message from an 8-year-old boy who one day wants to take on threatened Westridge Farm is the focal point of a petition to save it.
Plans are currently being discussed by the Isle of Wight Council for a development on the Elmfield, Ryde — turning the currently working dairy farm into 475-home West Acre Park.
Comments on the application have now closed and it is awaiting the final decision, which is likely to come before the Isle of Wight Council’s planning committee.
According to the farming family, who risk losing their home and business if the development gets approved, more than 400 objections have been submitted to the council and they are now calling for further support in objecting the building works.
The Hollidays have been the tenant farmers at Westridge Farm since 1966 and so far 2 generations have been at the helm. Now, 8-year-old Archie, the son of current farmer, Nigel, is urging people to get involved.
In a video message on the Save Westridge Farm Facebook page, Archie thanked everyone who submitted an objection but is now asking people to ‘help his dream of becoming a farmer [at Westridge] one day’ by signing and sharing a petition, found at www.change.org/p/isle-of-wight-council-save-westridge-farm.
Since it was started over the weekend, more than 240 people have added their name to the list of objectors.
Reasons people are objecting to the development, apart from the loss of the farm, include the lack of infrastructure around Ryde, especially with the numerous developments planned for the area; the loss of green space and habitats; and the seeming connection of Ryde to Nettlestone and Seaview.
Official objections have been submitted by The Woodland Trust and Tenant Farmers’ Association with Natural England and Island Roads, asking for more information from developers, Captiva Homes, before views can be made.
Cllr Michael Lilley, Ryde East representative, has renewed his calls for the application to be rejected by saying the historic, last farm in Ryde would be lost forever during an especially hard time due to COVID-19. He said:
“The family’s 2021 is bleak unless we stand up with them and protest against this application.
“Please support them as they really need your humanity and support, please sign, get all your family to sign, get your friends to sign and please share to everyone you know. This planning application is simply wrong.”
It is absolutely scandalous that this family have this threat above their heads.
What sort of place are we living in for this to happen?
That poor innocent cow behind that brainwashed kid.. Go Vegan….
Cabbages are people too.
well said
If you want to be vegan ,fine do it .but sane people want to eat proper food .
Stop preaching your nonsense .
The council are very very ‘friendly’ with the Pinks, Captiva developments, so don’t expect any reprieve. A symbiotic relationship. All building permission granted will be generously thanked by such
Vote this suspect council OUT next time.
Life
Bless the young lad but think council will do what there want sham it’s ruining a family life
Disgusting this family have to lose their farm from a Compulsory Purchase Order. We don’t need or want this much housing. House all the ISLAND PEOPLE ONLY who have been on the waiting list for years. We DON’T WANT NON RETURNING VISITORS FROM FOREIGN LANDS OR MAINLAND TROUBLE MAKERS
It’s not a ‘Compulsory Purchase Order’ the farmers rent the farm and the owner is selling it
OK. Thanks for clarifying that. Still a shame for the family who have appeared on the national news today, Wednesday 28th October hoping to stay put, but if not, they would like to find another farm on the island to continue their farming life.
It’s been proven the plants have feelings too, so maybe we should all just starve?
Moderation of everything is the key
What a ridicoulous statement .have you been let out for the day .
When we are looking at preserving green spaces with trees, that clean our air, where is the sense in destroying this beautiful green space that is already in use and been in the same family for generation, surely there are other plots of land that could be used. Oh hang on they will not be able to cram in as many house and therefore no make as much profit. Do they not drink or use milk on the Isle of Wight. The children are leading the way to preserve this planet for the future. Stop these greedy fat cats who care nothing for the environment just profits