Island firm Reynolds and Read have resubmitted their application to transform the former Brickfields Horse Country on the outskirts of Ryde into an industrial premises, despite public opposition and two previous applications.
As previously reported by Island Echo, residents living in Binstead, Haylands and Havenstreet have strongly opposed the change of use, with over 300 comments received on the previous application for which consultation end in October. Many of the comments were opposing the plans, stating concerns about property prices, pedestrian safety, damage to the road and parked vehicles and noise pollution from both the site and passing vehicles.
Despite the opposition and the previous two applications, the first which was lodged in February 2014, the plant hire company are continuing their battle to transform the rural site into a storage and distribution facility, relocating and consolidating their plant and vehicle operations from existing premises at Blackwater, Rookley and Duxmore.
The application states that the Binstead site would become Reynolds & Read’s main base and would include offices, lorry and plant storage, vehicle repairs (including servicing for other operators when required), aggregates and loose material storage (approx. 250 tonnes) as well as plant and skip hire operations, which has led to some serious concerns being raised by local residents who are against the plans.
Although the company say they only own 18 HGVs, many locals have raised fears that once planning permission is sought the company has freedom to grow.
The application has been resubmitted this week with further information about the movement of vehicles and the proposed change of use has been changed itself from B2 & B8 use to Sui Generis use.
Island Roads have given the plans recommendation for conditional approval, despite acknowledging the road is narrow and stating that none of the three routes leading to Brickfields can be deemed as a preferred route as all three have difficulties. There was no mention in Island Roads’ report that HGVs would use Carter’s Road and Smallbrook Roundabout – a notorious accident blackspot.
Anyone wishing to support or oppose the plans have until 30th January 2015 to submit their comments, which can be done at https://www.iwight.com/planning/AppDetails3.aspx?frmId=29132.
Comments already made on a previous application will still be applicable and do not need to be submitted again.
