Appeal Lodged Over Refused 60-Home Freshwater Development

Plans for 60 homes and a discount supermarket at Heathfield Campsite in Freshwater are being appealed after the Isle of Wight Council refused the development.

The outline application, covering land next to Colwell Road, was rejected in March over concerns including potential harm to protected species and environmentally important sites, as well as the lack of a suitable surface water drainage strategy.

The appeal has been brought by Stephen Hucklesby and Howper 900 Ltd, with their planning agent arguing the scheme would bring substantial benefits to the Island.

Andrew White Planning Consultancy says the proposals would provide affordable housing and neighbourhood retail facilities, while helping address the Isle of Wight’s housing shortage.

It also points to potential construction jobs, council tax income and business rates, alongside financial contributions towards coastal bird protection measures and a local GP surgery.

The agent says updated technical evidence submitted as part of the appeal shows the development could be delivered without harming protected species and that a viable drainage strategy is possible.

The site is allocated for housing in the Isle of Wight’s emerging local plan.

However, the proposals previously attracted 154 objections during public consultations.

Concerns included flooding, traffic congestion, road safety, the impact on the area's character and pressure on local services and infrastructure.