The future of a controversial proposed housing development on the Isle of Wight — which attracted more than 600 objections — will be decided next week.
The 56-property development on Steyne Road, Bembridge, would have 20 affordable dwellings among a range of two to five-bedroom houses and bungalows.
Thornwood Estate IW submitted its plans nearly two years ago, raising fears among members of the community.
Concerns include flooding and surface water drainage following issues in the village; building on greenfield land; and overdevelopment.
Bembridge Parish Council called plans ‘disappointing’ and objected to the ‘estate’ saying it would not enhance or improve the area and will harm the outlook of the village environment.
They also raised issues with the increase in foul water and had concerns with highways, landscaping and the ‘devastating damage’ to wildlife the development would cause.
Planning officers from the Isle of Wight Council have recommended the application be approved, subject to conditions and a legal agreement securing the affordable housing.
Conditions include the timing of the works, necessary archaeological investigations, tree protection measures and ecological mitigation features.
It would be down to the council’s planning committee to grant permission for the scheme at its meeting, next Tuesday.
In a report going to the committee, officers set out the reasoning for their recommendation and overall, considered the development agreeable.
They say the scheme would result in minor economic benefits, with ‘moderately adverse’ environmental impacts that would be outweighed by the ‘significant’ social benefits brought through the delivery of housing in a sustainable location.
Officers also say, as of March this year, there were 696 households on the housing need register for Bembridge, so there is a clear need for more housing in the village.
A footpath through the site, connecting it with Steyne Park, will be removed, officers say, after Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary’s Designing Out Crime Officer raised concerns anti-social disorder from the park would move into the development.
Plans had already been approved for the site in 2020 for nine houses and access from Steyne Road. Work has just started.
Five-Year Isle Of Wight Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty Plan Unanimously Approved
More Islanders Cross The Solent With Wightlink’s Discounted Fares For NHS Appointments
Hampshire And Isle Of Wight Air Ambulance Funds Defibrillators For The Community
Isle Of Wight Council Budget Pressures Likely To Continue Following Autumn Statement
Council Approves Support Package To Help Islanders On Low Incomes
Isle Of Wight Councillor In Mental Health Priority Motion
Bird Keepers Urged To Remain Vigilant Following Increased Avian Influenza Risk
Island Pupils Receive Lesson In Road Safety That Could Save Lives
New Shanklin Flats Given Green Light
Joe Robertson Appointed Parliamentary Private Secretary For Shadow Culture, Media And Sport
Shanklin Company Making Nuclear Waste Sorting Safer, Greener And Cheaper
Five-Year Isle Of Wight Landscape Plan Decision On Horizon
Help Sought For Isle Of Wight's Struggling Small Businesses
Primary School Admissions For September 2025 Now Open
Island Families Invited To Take Tour Of St Mary's Special Care Baby Unit
Work To Sink Three Boreholes At Leeson Road Due To Finish This Week
Emergency Works Underway To Repair Shanklin Culvert And Prevent Flooding
New Strategy For Tree Care On Isle Of Wight
Public Spaces Protection Orders To Be Reinstated Across The Island
Who Is Your Island Tourism Hero? Red Funnel's Isle Of Wight Award Nominations Open For 2025
