Derelict houses that have been empty for years could soon be occupied as calls are made for action to be taken over their unsightly state. The 2 properties on the corner of Marlborough Road on Westridge Cross were interlinked with the Pennyfeathers development. The houses were originally bought so the sites could be used as part of the highway widening to accommodate the increase in traffic from all the major developments proposed nearby. As previously reported by Island Echo, whilst planning permission has been granted for the work to take place, it has not been carried out. The major 904 house development, which would have been situated behind Smallbrook Lane and stretched along near to Busy Bee Garden Centre, has since been refused and in the months that followed, local ward councillor Michael Lilley has called for enforcement action to get the properties tidied up and, he hoped, occupied. Councillor Lilley has been speaking to officers at the Isle of Wight Council who said they would look at taking enforcement action in 6 months if nothing had happened. At a Ryde Town Council meeting earlier this month, concerned residents raised the matter saying the timeframe was up and asked for something to be done. Following the meeting, Councillor Lilley said he had continually tried to get the matter addressed and has had conversations about compulsory purchasing them, potentially in partnership with a local housing association so they could provide rented accommodation. He said the Pennyfethers development — first proposed nearly 10 years ago — was a fantasy project which has “created a real nightmare” for the neighbours of the houses on Marlborough Road. Councillor Lilley said the properties are a “damaging eyesore” for visitors and residents. Now a spokesperson, on behalf of the Pennyfeathers team, has said initial work on the properties has commenced and they are in the process of being sold to local families. The spokesperson said:
“The Pennyfeathers team are looking to reach out to local councillors and the Isle of Wight Council in the coming weeks to update them on the works and once completion dates have been confirmed.”
In its budget for the coming year, Ryde Town Council has agreed to employ the services of a planning enforcement officer. Councillor Lilley said he wanted to see the houses occupied in less than a year.
Councillor Lilley said he wanted to see the houses occupied in less than a year.
LOL that won’t happen trust me not in a year water has been pouring through both roof’s for years
Looking at them, they are now beyond repair, would be easier and cheaper to demolish and build new,get quite a few on each site . If current brought back into use wouldn’t help with housing need as would be to expensive. Another waste due to Council process and delays, what happened to the original owners – forced out to then watch homes fall apart…
2 very nice houses, even in their position. I have watched them deteriorate, criminal…
So, who does actually own the houses? The council ?
Council blocks development for years, what’s the betting one of the councillors mates will buy them up cheap.
I hope the previous owners/occupiers weren’t forced to give them up for the planned scheme which now isn’t going ahead. If so it must be heartbreaking for them. I’d say put the houses back the way they were and give them back to the owners, but I know that won’t ever happen.
They sold them to the developers.
What a complete balls up this was.
For homeless island families I hope? Nobody else!