A major, controversial housing development in Ryde may come back before the Isle of Wight Council again — 20 months after it was given the green light.
The 473-home West Acre Park was approved in July 2021 by the Isle of Wight Council’s planning committee, but an oversight was spotted in September last year.
Natural England said the application failed to consider some of the Westridge Farm site — the land houses could be built on — was designated in the Solent Waders and Brent Geese Strategy.
It is a feeding ground for migration birds, where curlews have been spotted.
Under the plans, Natural England says a portion of the designated land would be lost to development, although the majority would remain as alternative green space.
The Isle of Wight Council said it was working with Natural England and developers Captiva Homes to resolve the issue and is waiting for further details on mitigation proposals.
This will allow the planning authority to undertake an assessment to understand whether there are ‘likely significant effects on designated sites’ and to ensure compliance with habitat regulations.
Once the work has been completed, the council said it will move to issue a decision.
A Captiva spokesperson said they had been frustrated with the delays in issuing the planning consent.
They now expect the council’s planning committee to hear the updates in March.
Subject to the consent being issued, Captiva plan to start work on the site in the summer and deliver the housing in early 2024.
If the planning permission is issued, ward representative Cllr Michael Lilley said residents forming the Save Westridge Farm campaign are ready to launch a judicial review.
He says there is a huge case of errors in the “whole planning process”.
Although the council have said the housing scheme can be built, official legal agreements have yet to be signed, so development cannot start.
Cllr Lilley said it would be a long way before any resolution and any building starts and in the meantime, the curlews continue to feed on site.
The Holliday family, who were the tenant farmers of Westridge Farm, have now left, after campaigning to save their home and livelihood.
Yarmouth's Kings Head To Feature Bed And Breakfast Accommodation
New Low Cost Flats Could Come To Ryde - If Plans Get Approved
Casualty Airlifted To Hospital Following Serious Overnight Crash Near Porchfield
Engine Problems Lead To Yarmouth RNLI Callout To Osborne Bay
Ryde Academy Students Donate To Two Worthy Causes At Christmas
Road Improvement Works To Get Underway From The Very Start Of The New Year
Isle of Wight Youth Trust Benefits From Big Give Support
Council Chair 'Furious' Over Floating Bridge Replacement Fiasco
Fire Service Travel To Island Contributes To Huge Budget Overspend
Department Approaching Completion In Ryde As Opening Date Announced
Guidance Issued Over Sharps Disposal As Waste Teams At Risk
Police Warnings Over E-Scooters Ahead Of Christmas Day
Controversial Freshwater Housing Proposal Turned Down
Rare Mantis Shrimp Discovery Made In Waters Off Isle Of Wight
Man In 50s Confirmed Dead Following Newport Crash
Pedestrian In Hospital With Serious Injuries Following Early Morning Motorcycle Crash
Cowes Stately Home To Have Facilities Upgraded As Part Of Approved Renovation
Ofsted Deliver Glowing Report For 'Welcoming' And 'Highly Ambitious' Island Primary School
Help Available For Islanders To Cut Energy Bills
Cowes Lifeboat Performs Mid-Solent Rescue Of Fishing Boat
