A Controversial Freshwater housing application has been approved despite being branded a ‘crime against the environment’ by objectors.
The major development of Birch Close, which will see 44 properties built on a greenfield land, was approved by the Isle of Wight Council’s planning committee yesterday (Tuesday) after nearly 3 hours of debate.
Residents had objected strongly to the application, with concerns over sewage, the site’s potential for flooding, current wildlife and ecology risks. One objector, speaking at the meeting, said it would be a crime against the environment if the committee approved the application.
Freshwater Parish Council was among those objecting, referencing parts of its neighbourhood plan as reasons why the development should be refused and that it does not meet local housing needs.
Local ward councillor, and member of the planning committee, Chris Jarman said the field was the last green meadow between Colwell and Freshwater and he had been questioned by residents whether the planning committee would ‘drive a stake through the heart of all that was dear to them’.
However, committee members said the site was developable, being landlocked on 3 sides and building onto a ribbon development.
Councillor Geoff Brodie said issues with the environment, ecology and biosphere could be discussed but he saw no planning reason to object to the application. It at least provided affordable houses, he said, for families who may otherwise be homeless.
The first vote of the evening, to approve the application but make it subject to the planning officers’ 28 conditions while adding a footpath for easy access to the village centre, was rejected after a casting vote by chair Cllr Michael Lilley. 6 councillors voted for and 6 against.
A second vote to refuse the application — on grounds it would negatively impact the green infrastructure, ecology and wildlife — was rejected with only 4 councillors in favour but 8 against.
A third vote was then taken to grant planning permission — with an improved landscaping condition, the footpath and the 14 affordable properties being solely for rent — was passed by 7 votes to 5.
Not really surprising is it. Brown envelopes galore on this one. All they care about is how much council tax they can wring out of people.
That is so sad. More green space gone. More traffic. More emissions. More pressure on local infrastructure, services etc., that we know can’t be sustained.etc.
Ah Yes, but at least those E scooters are saving the day!!
Unless Island Roads stick the boot in or there are suspected dinosaur bones, you’re all doomed!
Too many Del Monte men.
A few affordable homes, but who can afford them, NOT the low paid who need homes.
West wight is fast becoming a mecca for second home owners.
I’m told the new estate opposite this one has a lot of second home owners already.
As my dad says” they think it’s Hollywood over there now”
I hope this beautiful side of the Isle does not decline the same way done of the rest of the Isle has.
Don’t worrry – it will – it’s “open season” on greenfield spaces now, it never used to be like this.
This sort of thing is an open invite for any developer. Come to the Island and build what you want, where you want, whenever you want to.As long as the “right” people can get the right “consideration” you are quids in. The feelings and needs of residents of the Island? Screw them who cares…….its all about the profit and NOTHING else
All this bleating on about needing affordable housing is just rhetoric.
If it was truly a required feature for greenfield developments then all of the site would be *affordable* and not the few that are thrown in to appease the snowflake hand wringers.
Come back a year after they have been built and see how many will be second homes.
Nail on the head.
The whole strategy behind affordable housing is flawed, and worrying this new Island plan (which is not a strategy) does not offer the solution.
So year after year we will get ‘housing crisis’ = build more houses, ‘deeper housing crisis = build more houses’, ‘even deeper housing crisis’ = build more houses and et cetera.
And one day when the crisis becomes as deep as the earth’s core they may say, ok, affordable housing only. But how many years before we get to that stage.
Councillor Geoff Brodie said issues with the environment, ecology and biosphere could be discussed but he saw no planning reason to object to the application. It at least provided affordable houses, he said, for families who may otherwise be homeless.
..
Councillor brodie is useless.. he is more interested in creating pollution, congestion and increased council tax revenue, by wrecking more of the islands greenfields – he is talking garbage about people being homeless – if he and the other clowns at the council, banned taxpayer funded moves to the island by benefit claimants and outlawed second home ownership, then there would be no issues.
Spot on. Second home ownership is a cancer on society.