Natural England Warns 44-Home Freshwater Development Could Harm Protected Sites

Plans to build 44 homes on a field in Freshwater could have a ‘harmful effect’ on environmentally protected sites, Natural England has warned.

The national public body has told planners that more information is needed to assess the potential impact of the proposed development, planned for land east of Birch Close.

The scheme, by Onyx Development Finance, would create a new residential estate in the village.

Natural England says the development could affect terrestrial Sites of Special Scientific Interest, as well as Special Areas of Conservation, Special Protection Areas and Ramsar sites.

It says the site is within the catchment of a European protected site which is vulnerable to nutrient pollution.

Natural England has warned that proposals which could affect water quality may have a significant impact on protected habitats and species because of increased nutrient levels.

The developer's planning consultants, Spruce Town Planning, previously said the 44 homes would make an ‘important contribution’ towards the Isle of Wight’s housing need and help support the ‘vibrancy and vitality’ of Freshwater.

The submitted Planning Statement also says the development would make ‘efficient’ use of land which is currently underutilised.

It claims the proposals would deliver a ‘true net gain’ in biodiversity.

Natural England has now requested further information before it can determine the potential environmental impacts of the scheme.