Opposition is mounting against a proposal for 5 new ‘high quality’ houses next to a former Isle of Wight train station, ahead of a decision next month.
In recent weeks, applicants Stratton and Raben have faced growing pushback to their revised application for 5 homes, classed as ‘market housing’, on land next to Station House on Station Road, St Helens.
Plans also include an access road, garages, parking and landscaping, with revisions made relating to trees and sewage.
Agent, the Andrew White Planning Consultancy, has said the homes would make a ‘significant contribution to addressing the housing supply shortage’.
County Hall has received 21 objections from members of the public since late August.
Issues cited include adverse wildlife and environmental impacts, aesthetic concerns, highway safety, parking capacity, local housing need, the development being out of character with the area, loss of privacy and overlooking, and a lack of available dental and doctor’s services on the Island.
St Helens resident Julie Brimson said:
“I object as it would spoil the natural beauty of this area on the edge of the village for both residents and visitors and also damage the picturesque setting for the historical Station House.
Article continues below this advertisement “It is also a wildlife habitat that should be preserved for both animals and birds. Views of the downs in Shanklin/Sandown areas would be diminished or totally blocked by houses, particularly tall ones.
“Station Road is a busy road and additional traffic entering and leaving the development would cause problems – particularly as the land is close to the sharp bend in the road, together with added noise from extra residents and traffic.”
The Andrew White Planning Consultancy’s submitted Planning Statement states:
“The new homes would be designed to a high quality and there would be a range of unit types and sizes.
“The density, scale and general arrangement of properties would be commensurate with the character and appearance of the surrounding area.
“The development would make a significant financial contribution towards affordable housing and would also mitigate its cumulative impacts on the Solent Special Protection Area by making a separate financial contribution towards the Bird Aware Scheme.”
An Isle of Wight Council decision on the application is expected on 7th October.
More high quality homes are not required on the island
Social housing is required.