Captiva Homes and the Isle of Wight Council have won a battle against a judicial review into the granting of planning permission for 473 new homes in Ryde, paving the way for the West Acre Park development to finally get underway.
Plans to build much-needed new homes on the outskirts of Appley have been approved by the Isle of Wight Council, twice. But local campaigners have been fighting to put a stop to the development to the detriment of those seeking local housing.
Campaigners, under the banner Save Westridge Farm, alleged that the Isle of Wight Council mishandled the plans, something the Council has always denied.
A request for a judicial review was submitted to the High Court of London King’s Bench Division last September, with approval given by His Honour Judge Jarman earlier this year.
Greenfield IOW Ltd – the company formed to lead the campaign – had its day in court on 1st July this year when a rolled-up hearing took place at Southampton Combined Courts. Now, His Honour Judge Jarman has served the judgement – and dismissed the case.
James Pink, Director of Captiva Homes, has said that work will soon begin with the first homes ready to be occupied as soon as next year.
Mr Pink has today told Island Echo:
“We are delighted for the Isle of Wight Council that the Judicial Review of West Acre Park’s planning consent has been decisively dismissed on all grounds. This outcome affirms that the Council managed the application with professionalism and integrity. Captiva Homes will now move forward with the project at pace, eager to deliver 473 much-needed homes for Islanders, with the first homes expected to be ready for occupation in 2025.”
Article continues below this advertisement
The court proceedings have cost Greenfield IOW around £100,000 in legal costs. There are now talks of potentially taking the matter to appeal, as they feel there are ‘errors’ in the Judge’s reasoning.
