Plans to build 3 custom houses and an orchard on greenfield land in a picturesque Isle of Wight conservation area could go on as revised plans are submitted to the Isle of Wight Council following the objections of 130 residents.
A Bembridge-registered company, GL Developments IOW, has put forward revised plans including self-build housing, a means of access, public footpath, open space, orchard and ancillary infrastructure on land on Pound Green in Freshwater.
As previously reported by Island Echo, the applicant’s previous homes proposal for the site off Queens Road was refused permission after the Isle of Wight Council received 130 objections, with opponents of the proposal citing the area’s ‘unspoilt’ rural and historic character, environmental degradation, the cost of the homes, noise and light pollution and negative consequences for tourism.
Asd well as disapproval from residents, Totland and Colwell representative Councillor Chris Jarman said it would impact Freshwater’s Village Pound, which is a Grade II listed building dating from the late 18th or early 19th century, according to Historic England.
According to GL Developments, self and custom-build housing plays a ‘crucial role’, as part of a wider package of measures in securing greater diversity in the housing market, increasing overall supply and helping to deliver the homes people want.
A submitted Planning Statement said:
“The proposal does not create any significant harm.
Article continues below this advertisement “In the most part the landscape and visual effects are at the lowest end of the scale and generate negligible/no effects, but in some instances benefits.
“The location gives genuine travel choice and is in a location which is sustainable and is not dependent on the motor car.”
GL Developments also said the proposal protects and enhances biodiversity and ecological networks.
County Hall’s public consultation finishes on 14th August, with a decision expected on 4th September.
