Planners Wave Through Contentious Ryde Flat Proposal

An ‘affordable’ three-bedroom flat will be built in the heart of the Isle of Wight’s largest town.

Despite objections from Ryde Town Council (RTC) and residents, planners approved Standley Property’s application to construct an additional floor at 119 High Street, allowing the creation of a ‘mansard style self-contained flat’.

Opponents voiced concern over parking availability, noise, privacy, rubbish and waste storage, light levels, safety, works related disruption, heritage, the development’s effect on the building’s current ‘vulnerable’ residents and overdevelopment.

RTC objected on four grounds: a loss of light to the ‘neighbouring property’, a lack of cycle and waste storage and ‘no contributions’ towards the Solent Special Protection Area (SPA) and affordable housing.

An amended planning statement lodged since the objections says:

“The proposal utilises the opportunity to construct an additional floor like the site opposite (116-118 High Street) which has been granted planning for a similar arrangement.

“This will go towards the housing target set for Ryde as outlined within the Island Plan. This additional dwelling will be achieved without disturbing the existing fabric of the building and with limited impact on the surrounding area.

“The dwelling will have the benefit of convenient shopping close by – allied with adjacent public transport giving an alternative to the use of a motor vehicle.

“The existing rear courtyard area is to be retained to house the bins and cycles.”

Last month, County Hall entered a legal agreement with the developer relating to Solent SPA mitigation and affordable housing contributions.

Planners are yet to publish a report justifying the decision.