Controversial outline plans for a housing development on greenfield land within an historic Isle of Wight hamlet will come before County Hall this evening (Tuesday).
Planners are recommending Redmer Developments’ revised proposal for up to ten houses next to Wellow’s Main Road be given the go ahead, subject to conditions and a completed Section 106 Agreement.
The proposed agreement would include provisions such as 35% affordable housing, a £15,000 contribution towards rights of way infrastructure and mitigation payments towards the Solent Protection Area for wintering birds.
However, the council has received 118 letters of objection to the bid, according to an officer report prepared prior to today’s planning committee meeting.
Issues they raise include there not being a need for more homes in the area, Wellow’s lack of brownfield land or infrastructure, the greenfield development spoiling the hamlet’s rural character, flooding concerns and those relating to road safety.
Wellow resident Bryony Owen told the council:
“Concreting over existing green fields without a satisfactory drainage solution will add to existing surface water issues.
“The proposed development is significantly higher than surrounding properties and would undoubtedly cause water run-off into the road and towards low lying properties on the opposite side of the narrow road.
Article continues below this advertisement “The proposed development would have a significant negative impact on existing neighbouring properties overlooking them and spoiling their views south towards the downs.”
A Design and Access Statement submitted by the applicant’s agent, BCM, highlights a desire to produce a ‘high quality environment’ for new and existing residents.
The document said proposal 23/01955/OUT is strategically located in an area which is neither environmentally sensitive or designated and is very close to a good bus service.
“It is noted that the higher land of the downs is to the south, and whilst there may be some views, however, these views will be approximately 2.5km away and from that distance the development will not be prominent.
“It is anticipated the dwellings will comprise a mix of bungalows, chalet bungalows and 2 storey dwellings. This will be dependent on housing need and will be addressed at Reserved Matters stage.”
The planning committee report said:
“The scheme would deliver much needed housing, and this would be a positive factor, that would weigh moderately in favour of the application.
“It is considered that the development would not compromise the rural character of the area, and that subject to suitable design and layout, the development could reflect the character of the existing hamlet.”
“Much needed housing”
There are currently 2384 houses for sale on Rightmove and some of them have been up for sale for months.
There is only a need for more houses to be built when there are no empty properties or no properties for sale (which includes probate or executor sales sales)
We need fields to grow food.
I could not have said it better myself.
They are ruining nature.
In the whole of Britain there are enough empty properties
to house everyone, not to mention all the derelict properties
in Britain that need bringing back to life.
Another problem there are told many people owning more
than 1 home, no one needs more than 1 home.
Charging double or treble Council tax is no deterrent.
The economy would grow if people were limited to
1 property and if they want to go and stay elsewhere
that’s an holiday etc.
The country should build more hotels and then people
won’t need to own more than 1 property.
That would be good for business.
I wonder how many properties are sitting empty in
Britain throughout the year.
The answer is not to keep building, the infrastructure is
not in place.
How many hospitals beds are there on the island thesedays
compared to when there was more than 1 hospital.
Its on greenfield land,so should be an automatic no!
or is the brown envelope bigger this time!