A member of an Isle of Wight walking group says she is "very saddened" after seeing the devastation caused by an unauthorised development in Niton.
The Islander, who wishes to remain anonymous, has described the development at Bridge Cottage - which has been met with opposition - as “very concerning”.
As previously reported by Isle of Wight Radio, retrospective planning permission has been submitted for the unauthorised construction in Niton. Rural campaign groups, such as Natural England (NE) and the Campaign For Rural England (CPRE) are among objectors.
The CPRE is currently investigating some of the work on the site and notes that the scheme ‘appears contrary to the Isle of Wight Council’s proscribed development policies’.
It is in a SAC (Special Area of Conservation) an SSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) and an AONB (Area of Natural Beauty).
Yesterday (Thursday) the leader of the Isle of Wight Council, who’s ward it falls in, faced criticism from Island Labour, who accused Cllr Stewart of environmental and planning ‘disregard’, as exclusively reported by Isle of Wight Radio.
Cllr Stewart claims all the concerns brought to him by residents surrounding the development have been “passed on to the planning authorities.”
The Islander, who is a keen walker, says the benefits of engaging with nature are “profound” during the pandemic and anything that goes against that “is not very helpful”.
They told Isle of Wight Radio:
“I’m a very keen walker and I really feel that any development, particularly on SSIs, or AONBs should be maintained rather than have developments put on them.
“If it [the development] has occurred in one part of the Isle of Wight, it would be very sad if it occurred elsewhere in areas which are enjoyed by everybody and are there to be enjoyed by everybody - to then have buildings put on them is very concerning”.
“I think the benefit of being able to go outside and do their hour’s exercise during the pandemic and really enjoy it means people are much more aware of what’s around them and the pleasure that derives is just wonderful.”
If a retrospective planning application fails, an 'enforcement notice' can be issued which requires the developer to put things back to how they were.
One in eight retrospective planning applications were rejected by local authorities in England last year (2020), according to official figures.
Scroll through pictures of the development here...
The opportunity for Islanders to submit their objections or comment on the application has ended
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