LATEST CAPTIVA HOUSING SCHEME COULD SEE MORE THAN 100 HOMES BUILT IN BEMBRIDGE

More than 100 homes are planned for the edge of Bembridge, in the latest major scheme put forward by an Isle of Wight developer. Captiva Homes’ 130-property Middleton development could be built on a greenfield site, between Steyne Road, Mill Road and High Street. The location was earmarked for housing by the Isle of Wight Council in 2018. The plans have been refined through public consultations and focus groups, held earlier in the year. Of the proposed properties, 46 1, 2 and 3-bed houses would be marketed at an affordable rate, including 33 rented under a local lettings plan, with local families first in line. Planning documents say the development could inject £40 million into the local economy through its construction phase, and create more than 50 jobs. If approved, work could start by early 2025, and 40 homes per year could be built. Externally, the development would include a range of ‘heritage style’ finishes, to help it blend in with its surroundings and the ‘unique sense’ of Bembridge, plans say. Overall, 17% of the site would be public open green space, with ‘The Square’ provided as a central, communal point, and 265 new trees would be planted. More than 300 parking spaces would be created in the development, including 62 for visitors, but Captiva insists pedestrians would be prioritised, with the layout designed to encourage slow speeds. Residents in cars would not be allowed to turn towards the High Street, according to planning documents. You can view the proposals, 23/01920/FUL, on the Isle of Wight Council’s planning register. Comments can be submitted until 3rd January.