RETROSPECTIVE PERMISSION GRANTED FOR DEMOLITION OF CAMP HILL’S THE FIRS

6 new houses will be built and retrospective planning permission has been granted by the Isle of Wight Council, after the demolition of an abandoned property near Newport. Before any development takes place, the site’s lizards and slow worms populations will be rounded up and rehoused in a new habitat, under the supervision of an ecologist. The Firs, on the Camp Hill estate, was demolished in 2023 without planning permission and a reptile survey of the site found development there would have a ‘high negative impact’. However, Colwell Bay Development, based in Waterlooville, has been given the green light to build on the land opposite what was Camp Hill prison, subject to 17 conditions.   A nearby resident objected, saying it would have an adverse impact on Parkhurst Forest and its wildlife; would urbanise a rural area and cause potential drainage issues. Allowing the plan, Isle of Wight Council officers noted the density of the development would be greater than what was previously on the site, but said the properties would “complement the character and context” of this part of Newport, due to the existing surrounding properties. Earlier plans for 9 homes there were submitted in 2023, but were later withdrawn without a decision.