It was with a ‘heavy heart’ that Isle of Wight councillors approved the retrospective development of the Atherfield Bay Holiday Camp last night (Tuesday). However, they criticised the lack of planning enforcement.
Multiple applications were granted up to 2017 to transform the dilapidated holiday camp into the exclusive Sandy Lanes holiday home community. Since new developers, Interguide IOW, took over, however, work on the site had deviated from approved plans.
Speaking on behalf of Interguide at last night’s (Tuesday) planning committee meeting, consultant Andrew White said the changes were made to make all areas fully accessible, without being detrimental to the surrounding area.
Ward councillor Steve Hastings told the committee the footprint of the buildings would increase by more than 1,800sqm, or 25%, and was such a significant amendment he questioned how the plans could be considered as minor changes.
Russell Chick, planning officer, explained the expansion had to be put into perspective with the size of the scheme, so in this case, as the development boundary and number of units had not changed, officers considered a ‘minor amendents’ application was suitable.
The committee rejected Councillor Chris Jordan’s motion to reject the application on the grounds it was not minor.
Concerns were also raised about the lack of money paid to the council, by the developers, to mitigate the impact of the development. It had been agreed when permission was granted that the money — a Section 106 agreement — be paid before work started but, 4 years on from the last approved planning permission, it had still not been paid.
Cllr Jarman said he was appalled the council found themselves in this situation and was astonished nothing had been done to stop it.
Councillor Matt Price said this application had gone too far without approval. He was worried the holiday homes would turn into permanent houses by stealth.
Chair of planning, Councillor Michael Lilley, said the committee was uncomfortable with the position it was being put in.
Meanwhile, Councillor Chris Quirk said the council lacked power to punish the developers.
The retrospective planning permission was granted — with 5 councillors in favour, 2 against with 1 abstention — but hardened conditions, to increase the section 106 contribution towards the rights of way by 50% (to £30,000), ensure the money is fully paid before the site can be occupied, and a significant uplift in the scheme’s landscaping.
Concerns were also raised about the lack of money paid to the council,
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yes, lets get our priorities right – eh – greed
Councillor Chris Quirk said the council lacked power to punish the developers yes if the council had there way they would have every developer doing what they want But if anyone on the island is late paying council tax they come down on you like a t o n of bricks
Shame they were not so righteous regarding a certain councillors stables.
Yes you are 100% right there. But a lot of us know how she gets what she wants and the male councillors are weak.
Anyone else would have had to conform to the given permissions….another brown envelope passed over to our dubious planners
All the big planning should be put to island vote not just a few takers on the council gravy train.
Umm ,just have some back bone ! If planning rules aren’t followed why pass it ? So is this now a green light to all developments ?? Who are you paid to represent ? Dodgy question ???