Changes Approved For 130-Home Bembridge Development

Changes to plans for a 130-home development on the outskirts of an Isle of Wight village have been approved.

Captiva Homes has been granted permission to vary a condition attached to an October 2025 consent for housing and associated garages, means of access, landscaping and ancillary infrastructure on land next to Steyne Road in Bembridge.

The latest proposal involves several revisions to the approved scheme including external changes to house type designs, alterations to the internal road layout and a revised Section 106 agreement, according to BCM Wilson Hill.

Section 106 agreements are legal obligations entered into to mitigate the impacts of a development.

BCM Wilson Hill said:

“A range of improvements to the house types have been advanced, including (but not exclusive) intricate detailing around materials, windows (proportions, style and surrounds), chimneys, porches, eaves/ridges and the proportionality of buildings to reflect the eras of design which are themed as rural, Victorian and Georgian.

“Some limited parts of the internal road system have changed, particularly in relation to the proposed avenue from the access via the High Street and the layout around The Square.”

In a decision report, planners said the proposals would result in ‘minor changes’ to the appearance of the approved houses.

“They would improve the appearance of the various house types and therefore, it is considered that the design and layout of the development would be acceptable,” the report said.

“Officers are satisfied that the development would have no greater impact on the surrounding area, nearby properties or heritage assets. A suitable contribution towards the Solent Recreation Mitigation Strategy would be secured.”

The Solent Recreation Mitigation Strategy seeks to mitigate disturbance to birds.

Planners added that the applicant has changed the original Section 106 agreement to ensure that its requirements would apply to the latest application.

In November last year, Bembridge Parish Council objected to this latest application.

The body said the proposed design and layout revisions do not adequately reflect local character or village identity, further diminish the landscape and visual setting of Bembridge, fail to address heritage sensitivities and risk increasing the perceived density and urbanisation of the site.

Planners attached 23 conditions to the consent in the interests of the area’s amenities, highway safety, ecological protection, mitigating the effect of works on any heritage assets and protecting neighbouring amenity and privacy.

Other reasons include ensuring suitable drainage and the appearance of the development is satisfactory as well as preventing harm to the surrounding area’s character.