A proposal for three new houses in a field on the edge of a large Island village and next to the Isle of Wight National Landscape has sparked controversy.
GL Developments IOW Ltd’s application to build three self-build houses, an access point, an orchard, a public open space and ancillary infrastructure off Queens Road in Freshwater has split opinion with 13 public comments submitted against the development, compared to five in favour.
Those objecting, almost all of whom are Freshwater residents, have expressed concerns relating to local need, the proposed location being a greenfield site and within the Pound Green Conservation Area, anti-social behaviour, tourism, road safety, wildlife, traffic and the impact on local services.
The case in favour has been based on the design of the homes, Island-wide housing need, a dismissal of concerns over traffic and local services, the development’s proposed location, how it fits in with the area’s environment and existing housing bordering the site.
Freshwater resident David Walter said:
“This is a conservation area and will be spoiled for future generations to enjoy if more homes are shoehorned into a greenfield area.
“The area, if developed with a pond, will become a magnet for anti-social behaviour, can you imagine the rubbish created by drinkers on a sunny day?”
Another local resident, Jason Butchers, said:
“I object on the grounds that this is a greenfield site in a very pretty area and houses would have a negative impact on the location and wildlife.
“As a community we should surely be protecting these areas and striving to build much needed low-cost housing in suitable areas.”
Ryde resident Gregory Kelly said:
“I’m in support of this application which provides some much-needed housing on the Isle of Wight.
“Three houses will make zero difference to the local services and traffic on the road.”
The developer’s Design and Access Statement said:
“Self and custom build housing plays a crucial role – as part of a wider package of measures – in securing greater diversity in the housing market, increasing overall supply and helping to deliver the homes people want.
“The proposal is not located within the National Landscape, nor is it environmentally sensitive.”
A public consultation on the development will finish on January 20 and the council is due to make a decision on February 10.
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