Huge Isle Of Wight Housing Development Sparks Renewed Opposition

A huge Isle of Wight housing development has encountered opposition, with detractors including a residents’ campaign group, local councils and two county councillors.

Captiva Homes’ plans for a 473-home development at West Acre Park in Ryde, including commercial space, a doctor’s surgery and a cafe, have resurfaced in revised form following a legal battle which reached the Court of Appeal.

The proposal has previously been met with stiff resistance, with Oakfield residents group Greenfields taking County Hall 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.

Among the latest bid’s opponents are Greenfields, the Liberal Democrat representative for Ryde Appley and Elmfield Cllr Michael Lilley, independent Nettlestone and Seaview county councillor David Adams, Nettlestone and Seaview Parish Council and Ryde Town Council.

Concerns raised over the revised plans include adverse environmental and wildlife impacts, pressures on local infrastructure and public services, the development not meeting Islanders’ housing needs, vehicle pollution, flood risk, inadequate sewage capacity and the loss of ‘good quality agricultural land’.

In addition, objectors have voiced disquiet over issues including a lack of support for ‘active travel’ such as walking and cycling, increased traffic and a lack of ‘sustainable and deliverable road infrastructure’, the removal of a footpath and pedestrian safety and a Section 106 agreement contributing ‘inadequately’ to road and social infrastructure.

A Section 106 agreement is a planning obligation agreed to mitigate the effects of a development proposal such as a requirement for affordable housing or financial contributions towards public services.

A previous submission 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 cafe, Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG), pedestrian and cycle routes and associated onsite and offsite highway improvements.”

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

Its update statement for the revised plans 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’s public consultation on proposal 20/01061/FUL ended on July 28 and a decision is expected on August 26.