Fresh Opposition To New Homes Plan For Conservation Area In Freshwater

Fresh objections have been lodged against revised plans to build three custom homes on greenfield land in Freshwater, with residents raising concerns over the impact on the area's landscape, wildlife and infrastructure.

The latest application from GL Developments IOW seeks permission to build three self and custom-build homes on land off Queens Road at Pound Green, alongside a new orchard, public open space and a footpath.

The developer has amended its original proposal after a previous scheme for the site was refused by the Isle of Wight Council following 130 objections.

Changes include reducing the size of one of the plots and adding an extra hedgerow alongside the proposed footpath.

GL Developments says the scheme would help increase the supply and diversity of housing on the Isle of Wight, arguing that self and custom-build homes play an important role in meeting local demand.

The planning statement also says the development would provide wider community benefits, including a new orchard, public open space and a footpath offering a safer alternative to walking along Queens Road.

It adds:

"The proposal does not create any significant harm.

"In the most part the landscape and visual effects are at the lowest end of the scale and generate negligible/no effects, but in some instances benefits.

"The location gives genuine travel choice and is in a location which is sustainable and is not dependant on the motor car."

However, local residents say the changes do not overcome their original concerns.

Naomi Kullander described the site as an "essential green lung" and a valued public space, claiming the revised plans are "purely superficial" and fail to address issues including highway safety, the suitability of the site, visual impact and the effect on the wider community.

She also argued the surrounding road network does not have the capacity to cope with additional traffic generated by the development.

Resident David Walter questioned why greenfield land should be used when brownfield sites remain available elsewhere in West Wight, highlighting the former school site in Weston Road and the old builders' yard off Hurst Hill in Totland.

He said any homes built within the conservation area would need to reflect the character of the surrounding buildings, making them expensive to construct and unlikely to meet the needs of local young people and families.

Keith Woodhead also objected to the proposal, saying it would permanently alter views between Farringford and Pound Green. He added that increasing numbers of new homes were placing additional pressure on health and social care services on the Island.

Members of the public have until 14 August to comment on planning application 26/00645/FUL, with a decision expected by 4 September.