The mayor of Ryde, Michael Lilley has resigned from the planning committee over the controversial, major West Acre Park development.
It follows the 1st anniversary of the Isle of Wight Council’s decision to approve the 473-house plan on the outskirts of Ryde — although planning permission has not officially been granted yet.
The lack of official consent has, however, been cited as 1 of the reasons Councillor Michael Lilley, former chair of the committee, felt he needed to stand down.
Cllr Lilley has been against the plans, increasing the number of houses in his ward, since they were announced and could not attend the crucial meeting where the plans were approved, due to his pre-determined stance.
At the time, despite a written statement from him read out during the meeting, Cllr Lilley said felt there had been a concerted effort to stop him from talking and properly representing his residents. Since that meeting, however, campaigners trying to save Westridge Farm and Cllr Lilley have rallied to create a case for judicial review against the Isle of Wight Council.
In his resignation letter, Cllr Lilley said he felt being part of the committee compromised his ability to speak on the application, saying it was untenable to remain when it upholds a decision he and his residents believe is flawed. Cllr Lilley also said he felt it was in the interest of the council and developers, Captiva Homes, to withhold the decision so “they can grind down objectors”.
A report from the council’s former chief executive John Metcalfe earlier this year said procedural allegations around the application did not raise significant legal issues and should it reach a judicial review there is a defence for every point.
The application was reconsidered by the planning committee earlier this year after councillors considered there were failings in the original decision.
The motion to think again on the application, submitted by Cllr Chris Jarman, was rejected by 6 votes to 4.
In his resignation letter, Cllr Lilley alleges, however, some councillors’ votes on the motion were linked to the draft Island Planning Strategy (IPS) the council is trying to push through.
Cllr Lilley has asked for a full investigation, saying the recommendation to remove potential housing sites from Bembridge in the IPS influenced the way members voted, his letter can be read here – michaellilley.uk/statement-resignation-from-planning-committee
The Holliday family, who currently work Westridge Farm, are still preparing to leave, should the permission be granted before the end of October.
Campaigners have raised more than £18,000 to fight the council’s decision through judicial review should it be accepted.
I really don’t understand how Cllr Lilley thinks his resignation will change the progress or otherwise of this deeply unpopular development. Surely he would be better placed to influence inside rather than outside the system? As it is, it looks as though he is merely throwing his toys out of his pram – not a good look.
At least he’s spoken his mind and highlighted issues for public consumption. There was probably no other way that issues he mentions get properly scrutinised. I just hope that they do, and independently if necessary.
You may remember Cllr Lilley was barred from the Council Planning Committee, he was not allowed to voice his objections by video link, his written statement was not read out in full as it should have been.
The planning committee refuse to formally sign off the approval, Why? because then a judicial review will certainly go ahead.It appears the Council and the developers do have some thing to hide! Supporters of “Save Westridge Farm” will NOT be ground down, and that includes Cllr. Lilley.
I remember when there used to be countryside on the isle of wight. It was a lovely place to be.
Too many people it’s only going to get worse these houses we need but Ryde is the wrong place it’s already over stretched, we need affordable houses only and in a less populated area
NO MORE BUILDING. The island doesn’t need 473 homes and they certainly won’t be affordable for island residents only will they??????
The roads have been heaving this summer with so many cars. If this development and the other huge development, know as P Feathers with another 904 homes is allowed to go ahead, the roads in and around Ryde and surrounding areas will be congested beyond belief. The pollution from the cars and extra sewage in the already struggling system, OMG!!!!
Plus the 140 homes on Rosemary Vineyard
If you look at the comments by island roads they say that the local roads can’t cope with any more traffic when it come to building the 140 at Rosemary vineyard , how about the 900 houses just up the road ? You can’t trust them
Now here is a little true story…. Regarding the ability of St Marys(no finger pointing at NHS critically underfunded by Bunter and cronies).. More number volume a very good friend 2 weeks ago had a, heart attack at home, he has had two before knew all the signs he lives in West Wight, 999 dialed explained 2 hours later the ambulance rocked up(golden hour well and truly expired) he enquired St Mary’s? “no room” Southampton or Portsmouth then? No room either.. “John Radcliffe in Oxford for a heart attack victim? He decided to stay at home and self medicate with aspirin rather than take his chances on a long land journey! So imagine Island planning(if not beyound your iq remit) nearly 500 new homes with 2 or 3 occupants needing care.. Do one and if Lilley feet ls he can be more help by resigning and being able to represent his ward “hats off to him”
NHS underfunded?? Get real.
NHS has the biggest workforce and budget in the country I do not believe it’s underfunded, what’s wrong is the way the money is spent by the local trusts, because it’s public money they spend it on the most expensive items with no idea on looking for savings.
@Fedup. Your good friend is very brave, and I genuinely wish him well on his way to a perfect recovery.
And yes, Cllr Lilley represents his Ward extremely well, he has encouraged and helped the Holliday Family throughout all the misery and trauma they have suffered over this awful Westridge Estate development. Hats off to Cllr. Lilley indeed.
Funny how all the people who have a home bleat on in chorus ‘we don’t need any more homes’ – I’m alright Jack.
This is pure madness! The roads are chaotic now and an extra 500 homes, at least 1,000 cars, would mean grid lock most of the year. Put a huge premium on moving to the Island, make it an independent, tax free zone, like Jersey! Keep our green areas, cut pollution. Keep our unique character. Please!!!!!
Can’t you hypnotise them OR Unhypnotise them if they have been’got at’ by developers?
Welcome to broken Britain where mass immigration is never spoken of or blamed for any problems
Hear hear!!
At last a councillor taking a stand. It may not change things but he no doubt understands what the authorities in general fail to appreciate. That is the failure of those authorities to care for the present population never mind adding to it.
Why more houses in Ryde? Is there nowhere else on the Island? The infrastructure cannot cope on a normal day, let alone in summer, and certainly not with over 1000 new homes, which, let’s face it, mainlanders only will be able to afford. Rant over (for now)
1000 new homes OMG it also means I.O.W Council are rubbing their hands for more council tax ,but consideration be given that, 1000 homes means 2,000 cars which means more polution added to the enviroment , it also means 1000-4000 children requiring schooling .it will also add 1.000-6000 looking to the NHS for treatment ect this is madness, even the inferstructure canot even cope now , their is more sewage discharging into the sea.,our roads and public footways are well below standard .as it is.
I admire his stance, he has been forced to this decision by those supporting this developmet
Democracy is under threat here.
Dont know a lot about this housing scheme other than it is not needed. There is a massive down turn in high street shops and shopping, councils have killed that goose by parking charges, ably supported by online shopping, the business rates were the corner stone of council revenue, highly relaible and predictable funding, take that away and the only way to make up the shortfall is is build houses and charge council tax, it is not a matter of whether thete is any arguable case for additional housing the revenue stream must be protected at all costs.
All it’s down to is the more houses built and occupied equals more council tax coming in. Isle of Wight councillors don’t give a toss as to the thoughts of the people. More money going into their pension funds as well .
Why is the island plan taking so long to get signed off? Will it stop speculative developer’s building anywhere when it is signed off?