The major redevelopment of a former reservoir in Cowes into nearly 150 houses has been approved — with Isle of Wight Council planners saying it ticks a lot of boxes.
Four years after plans were tabled to build houses on the Somerton Reservoir, permission has finally been granted by the council’s planning committee with nine in favour and two against.
It will see 28 houses, 72 flats and 44 assisted living units, with one guest and one staff unit, built in the footprint of the former reservoir.
Speaking at the committee meeting yesterday, planning agent David Long, on behalf of developers Heartwood Homes, said brownfield sites on the Island were at a premium but they were also a policy preference of the council.
The scheme, Mr Long said, had tried to use the site cleverly, including parking in what would have been the reservoir basin.
The site was quite utopian he said, included on the brownfield register, next to a school, the Cowes Medical Centre, the biggest employer in the area, shops, sustainable transport links — “you could not get better for a mixed-use environment”.
Cllr Vanessa Churchman, one of the two councillors against the development, however, said the design was horrible and thought she was looking at an industrial estate rather than houses but did not object to the principle of housing at the reservoir.
Cllr Peter Spink, the other councillor to object, said he was doing so because of the potential harm caused to the special protection areas in the Solent.
However, Cllr Spink did suggest adding a clause to the permission to find out where new residents had previously lived so it can be determined whether or not new homes are actually going to Islanders.
Cllr Matt Price said the scheme ticked a lot of boxes, as well as adding more assisted living to the Island which will, in turn, free up homes for families and first-time buyers as others downsize.
The permission approved by councillors, proposed by Cllr Chris Jarman, included a number of changes as suggested by multiple members including:
- Introducing a no right-hand turn out of the site onto Newport Road
- The maximum possible roof space used for harvesting solar power
- 25 per cent of car parking, and all bicycle parking spaces, equipped with electric charging points
- A memorial sign in recognition of the historical character of the Toll Gate Cottage
- An ecological management strategy should be produced to deal with the wildlife on site
- A housing priority list for locals to be first in line for the new homes
- A balance of affordable properties across the housing mix
Councillor Coy On Isle Of Wight Social Housing
Warning For Islanders Selling Vehicles To Be 'Scam Aware'
Bus Fares Set To Rise Following Council Meeting
Small Business Support Proposal Passed By Isle Of Wight Council
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
