Huge Housing Development Proposal Resurfaces Following Court Of Appeal Quashing

A proposal for a huge Isle of Wight housing development has resurfaced  – after the previous application resulted in a legal battle that reached the second highest court in the country.

Captiva Homes has filed revised plans for a 473-home development at West Acre Park in Ryde, including commercial space, a doctor’s surgery and a café.

The controversial application previously faced considerable resistance, with Oakfield residents group Greenfields taking the Isle of Wight Council to court over a prior granting of consent in August 2023.

After an April hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice in London, the Court of Appeal ordered the quashing of the 2023 permission on the grounds that the council failed to publish a Section 106 planning obligation prior to its approval.

A submitted document from consultancy firm RPS Group says:

“The project comprises the construction of 473 (net increase of 472) new dwellings, commercial development including a doctor’s surgery, B1 office space and café.

"Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG), pedestrian and cycle routes and associated onsite and offsite highway improvements.”

Captiva’s agent, BCM Wilson Hill, says 35 per cent of the housing will be ‘affordable’.

Its update statement says:

“The only revision to the proposed development pertains to the removal of multi-use pathway no. 1 which was directed through Cothey Bottom Copse (Ancient Woodland).

“As the proposed development is served by appropriate highway infrastructure to render it accessible and sustainable, multi-use pathway no.1 is not required.”

County Hall has so far received five objections to the revised application, including from Ryde Town Council (RTC).

A RTC spokesperson said:

“RTC understands the pressing needs for housing and the merits of this application in terms of its affordable housing offer, new accessible cycling and walking links and the open public green space.

“However, given the concerns expressed by councillors and residents regarding the local road network Ryde Town Council objects on the following grounds.

“There is no co-ordinated highways plan to accommodate all the proposed developments which are coming forward in the immediate area.

“Alongside the already known and identified developments at Rosemary Lane, Nicholson Road and Pennyfeathers there will be additional pressures at the proposed new Aldi site to add to the issues presently caused by the McDonald’s entrance.

“The financial contribution from this site may not, on its own, be enough to achieve the substantial junction improvements which are required to manage the increase in traffic flow.

“Contributions from the other sites at Rosemary Lane, Nicholson Road and Pennyfeathers and the land that it released would enable the creation of a new purpose built road network.”

County Hall’s public consultation on proposal 20/01061/FUL ends on July 28 and a decision is expected on August 26.