Affordable Housing Boost Proposed For Major Ryde Development

Plans to increase the number of affordable homes at one of the Isle of Wight's largest housing developments have been submitted to the council.

Developers behind the West Acre Park scheme in Ryde are seeking changes to an existing planning permission for 473 homes, which also includes commercial space, a doctor's surgery and a café.

Captiva Homes says the revised proposals would increase the number of affordable properties from 166 to 207 without changing the overall size of the development.

If approved, around 44% of all homes on the site would be classed as affordable, up from the previously agreed 35%.

The proposed affordable housing mix would include 135 homes for social rent, 58 shared ownership properties and 14 discounted market sale homes.

Captiva Homes says the changes would provide a wider range of housing options for Island residents and make West Acre Park one of the most significant affordable housing developments delivered on the Isle of Wight in recent years.

A spokesperson for the developer said:

"The mix of social rent, shared ownership and discount market sale homes would provide different routes into housing for people at different stages of life and with different financial circumstances."

Other proposed amendments include changes to the design and layout of some homes, including the removal of certain bay windows and alterations to the positioning of properties in several phases of the development.

Ryde Town Council, which previously objected to the wider scheme, has indicated support for the revised plans because of the increase in affordable housing provision.

However, concerns have been raised by neighbouring residents. Helen George, objecting on behalf of an elderly relative who lives next to the site, said some of the proposed design changes could have a significant impact on homes in Grasmere Avenue.

She accused the developer of attempting to introduce alterations without properly consulting affected residents.

Meanwhile, Nettlestone and Seaview Parish Council has said it requires further clarification on proposed changes relating to highway safety before reaching a decision on the application.

The Isle of Wight Council is expected to make a decision on the proposals later this summer.