Controversial plans to build homes at Westridge Farm in Ryde have been recommended for conditional approval by Isle of Wight planners.
Councillors are set to meet next week (Tuesday 27) to discuss Captiva Homes' proposals to construct 473 properties, north of Bullen Road.
If approved, the site - made up of a mix of homes (166 'affordable'), a doctor's surgery and a cafe - would be erected next to the newly-built West Acre Park development.
It would use land currently occupied by Westridge Farm, a farm run by the Hollidays family for over 50 years. The family say, if approved, the plans would see them "lose both their home and livelihood".
Nigel Holliday said:
"I was brought up here, so I know this landscape, I can see it with my eyes shut and to see it all go, under concrete, would break my heart."
Notable figures, including Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely and Mayor of Ryde Michael Lilley have already objected to the application.
While an action group, Save Westridge Farm, has been set up to stop the proposals. More than 4,600 people have so far signed a petition to 'save the farm'.
Just last week, Ryde Town Council (RTC) voted to make the farm a community asset, as Isle of Wight Radio reported.
Despite criticism, developer Captiva Homes says the plans would bring investment and work to the Island.
It claims the new West Acre Park development, off Hope Road, has already created dozens of jobs.
Director James Pink said:
“We are proud to celebrate that our current phase off Hope Road has already directly created 70 jobs and has seen more than £10m invested in the Island economy almost all of which has been directly contracted with Island businesses.
“Unlike National Housebuilders whose purchasing, management positions and often tradesmen are mainland based, we strive to work with Island companies, employ Island people and use local trades.
“If our planning application is successful, we will be investing in excess of £96m on the Island and creating and sustaining many more jobs for years to come.”
The scheme is recommended for conditional approval with conditions, including money to improve the nearby highways.
More than 305 comments have been left on Captiva Homes' application.
It can be commented on, and viewed, on the council's planning portal, quoting 20/01061/FUL.
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