Major Update To Island Planning Strategy Could Shape Future Of Housing

The Isle of Wight Council has published a new report setting out major proposed changes to the Island Planning Strategy — a key document that will shape how and where the Island grows over the coming years.

The report, which will be discussed by councillors at a Policy, Finance and Resources Committee meeting on Thursday 6 November, could pave the way for a new round of public consultation before the end of the year.

If approved, Islanders will get six weeks to have their say on the updated plans — which cover everything from housing targets and environmental protection to the balance between development and local character.

The Planning Inspectors overseeing the strategy’s independent examination asked the council earlier this year to carry out further work in five key areas.

Those include housing supply, sustainability, affordable housing, and how national policies on climate and conservation are applied locally.

Among the proposed changes are:

• Nine new housing sites and two policy amendments to meet a shortfall of 315 homes over the next five years.

• Updates to the Sustainability Appraisal, which underpins the strategy.

• Removal of the “net zero” requirement for all new developments, to align with national guidance.

• Revisions to affordable housing policy, reducing targets in some areas based on new viability evidence, while keeping the Island’s own “affordable” definition for deeper discounts.

• A change to the ancient woodland buffer, reducing it from 50 metres to 15 metres in line with national advice.

Council leader Phil Jordan said earlier this year that the Island Planning Strategy “must strike the right balance between protecting what makes our Island special and delivering the homes and jobs people need.”

Once councillors have reviewed the latest proposals, the final decision on whether to move forward will be made at Full Council on 19 November.

Residents can read the full report and find out more about the Island Planning Strategy on the council’s website.