"A travesty of an application": controversial housing plans rejected

Controversial plans for three new houses on the edge of a large Island village have been rejected by the Isle of Wight Council following 130 objections.

County Hall said GL Developments IOW Ltd’s application to build three self-build homes, a means of access, open space, an orchard and ancillary infrastructure off Queens Road in

Freshwater would have ‘demonstrable and harmful impacts’.

Opponents of the proposal cited the area’s ‘unspoilt’ rural and historic character, environmental degradation, the cost of the homes, noise and light pollution and negative consequences for tourism.

In a submission lodged earlier this year, Totland and Colwell representative Cllr Chris Jarman said it would impact Freshwater’s Village Pound, which is a Grade II listed building dating from the late 18th or early 19th century, according to Historic England.

The circular stone rubble structure used to house stray farm animals.

Cllr Jarman said:

“This is a travesty of an application, and its rejection is essential if the value of The Pound and its magnificent situation is to be preserved.

“It has a dramatically negative impact on the visual aspect from every angle, including from Tennyson Down and also from Queens Road that was so praised by the inspector during a recent nearby planning appeal.”

The council’s decision report said:

“The proposed development would fail to preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the (Pound Green) conservation area and would cause harm to the nearby listed buildings by introducing undesirable and out of keeping built form, which would result in the urbanisation of a historically important undeveloped site.

“Insufficient information has been provided to demonstrate that the development would not have an adverse impact on bats, other protected species and ecological features of interest both within and adjacent to the site.

“The proposal would fail to provide a financial contribution towards affordable housing on the Island.”

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 (Isle of Wight) National Landscape, nor is it environmentally sensitive.”

Five supporting letters were sent to the council, pointing to housing need and defending the proposal as an enhancement of the area without detrimental environmental impacts and substantial pressure on local infrastructure.