A controversial plan to transform the former Brickfields Equestrian Centre in Ryde into the new operational base for Reynolds and Read has been given the go ahead by the Planning Inspectorate.
The Island firm applied for a change of use for the premises in Binstead back in September 2014 and January last year, but the planning application was turned down, twice. Having already purchased the land the company took an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate who have now overturned the Isle of Wight Council’s decision despite massive public objection.
A number of large HGVs lorries will, in the near future, be using the narrow Newnham Road between Brickfields and Binstead Hill roundabout, as well as Stroudwood Road and ultimately Smallbrook Roundabout – a notorious accident blackspot. Up to 2 vehicles per day which are not owned by Reynolds and Read Ltd can be repaired at the Brickfields site alongside all of the company’s own vehicles, adding to the HGV traffic in the area.
A number of conditions must be met by the firm before operations can begin including the submission of a Noise Management Plan, Dust Management Plan, the implementation of visibility splays and the submission of plans for the proposed drainage and disposal of foul and surface water from the site. A plan must also be submitted for the landscape enhancements at the site.
There is some good news for local residents as the site will not be able to be used for operational purposes after 19:00 or before 07:00, with the exception of returning vehicles, and not at all on Sundays or Bank Holidays. Aggregates will not be allowed to be sold directly from the site either.
Reynolds and Read have 3 years in which to transform the site and may not use the land to the south of the site for their operations.
