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Island's MP Objects To Houses In Cowes - Which Would Create 'Concrete Corridor'

Palace Road

Plans for homes in Cowes have been met by opposition by the Island's MP- who says they would create a "concrete corridor" between two villages.

MP Bob Seely is objecting to the development - which is on greenfield land.

If permission is granted, the latest application for houses along Place Road will see a further 14 homes constructed.

Mr Seely says the development will put more pressure on GP services, schools and infrastructure and the plans do not "address local need".

He said:

“This application should not be viewed in isolation. We have recently seen the construction of 93 houses at Meadow View Park on Place Road. The addition of another 14 houses, and potentially a further 27 on top of that, will put further strain on GP and dental services and also schools.

“There will inevitably also be an increase in cars in the area adding more traffic to an already busy main road.

 "We need to build for Islanders which includes young people looking for first homes and older people looking to downsize. This means we need more one- and two-bedroom properties. 12 out of the 14 homes are planned to be three- and four-bedroom houses. This does not address the needs of Islanders.”

Mr Seely argues the development would create a ‘concrete corridor’ between the two villages of Gurnard and Northwood.

He added:

“This area of green space separates Gurnard from Northwood. Removing this natural green barrier means losing identity between the two villages and in effect creating a concrete corridor between the two.

“We should prioritise the construction of new homes on brownfield sites instead of ripping up green areas of land that differentiate and protect the unique character of each Island town and village and provide important habitats for our wildlife.”

The closing date for comments on plans has now closed.

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