Parish Council Backs Residents Over Controversial ‘Donkey Field’ Decision

Nettlestone and Seaview Parish Council says it stands with residents after the Isle of Wight Council’s handling of a controversial planning application left the community “frustrated and ignored.”

The green field site, known locally as the Donkey Field, was approved for development earlier this year — a move that has sparked anger among locals.

A group of residents took their complaints to the Local Government Ombudsman, claiming planning policies were not properly applied and that local voices were sidelined.

But this week the Ombudsman confirmed it would not investigate the complaints.

Local resident Grainne Andrews said:

“We were very unhappy about the decision, as it contradicts so much of what the parish has been working towards — and even what the Isle of Wight Council says in its own Island Plan.

“The Island is a UNESCO Biosphere site, and we need green corridors and space between our built-up areas.

"The justification seemed to be housing need, but one executive-style house won’t solve that problem.

"What’s most disappointing is how little regard the process gave to local democracy.”

Parish Council planning lead Trish Redpath added:

“This is an iconic green field site, proposed in our draft Neighbourhood Plan as protected green space.

"The officer report was riddled with errors that would be obvious to anyone who’s actually visited the field — and now it’s to be despoiled by a single executive-style dwelling.”

The Parish Council says it shares residents’ disappointment, pledging to continue fighting for transparency and to make sure local voices are heard in future planning battles.