Housing Plan Axed: 60-Home Scheme Sparks Fury As Council Says 'No'

Plans to build 60 homes alongside a new supermarket in Freshwater have been dramatically rejected by the Isle of Wight Council following a wave of public opposition.

The revised proposals, submitted by Stephen Hucklesby, aimed to deliver a mixed-use development at Heathfield Campsite near Colwell Road, including housing, a discount supermarket and supporting infrastructure.

But County Hall has refused the scheme after receiving 154 objections during consultation, with residents raising a wide range of concerns.

These included fears over flooding and drainage, increased traffic and congestion, pressure on already stretched local services, and the potential impact on the character of the area.

Questions were also raised about pedestrian safety and the timing of ecological surveys, particularly those relating to bats.

In its decision, the council highlighted serious environmental concerns, warning the development could cause “substantial harm” to protected species and designated sites.

Planning officers acknowledged there could be benefits in terms of new housing and additional retail choice in what is considered a sustainable location.

However, they concluded these positives were outweighed by the environmental risks.

The report also noted the absence of an acceptable surface water drainage strategy, further strengthening the case for refusal.

Officials ultimately determined the proposal conflicted with planning policies and could not be supported.

The developer’s agent, ERMC, had previously defended the scheme, describing it as an opportunity to deliver much-needed housing with strong links to local infrastructure.

They said ecological assessments had been carefully carried out, with mitigation measures proposed to protect wildlife and maintain biodiversity.

The plans had also been scaled back in response to environmental considerations.

Despite those changes, the council has now firmly shut the door on the development.