NITRATE discharge into The Solent could impact new housing development decisions on the Isle of Wight in the same way it has on the mainland.

Isle of Wight land could be used to offset the impact of new build homes here and across the region, amidst fear about the damaging impact of nitrogen from waste water on birds and animals living in The Solent special protection area.

The Hampshire and IW Wildlife Trust (HIWWT) wants to acquire new land and use it to plant trees and create flower meadows in a 'rewilding' scheme.

The wildlife charity's David Rumble told the County Press the project would target areas including flood plains.

The HIWWT has earmarked up to four possible sites on the Island's east coast.

For the scheme to be a success, local authorities and private landowners would need to work together with wildlife organisations.

A number of councils on the south coast have adopted Natural England advice to refuse new developments.

The Isle of Wight Council has stopped short of taking that step.

It says it believes because a lot of the Island's treated waste water is discharged into the English Channel at Sandown, it is less of an issue here but has started talks about the rewilding project.

A spokesperson said: "[The council] has been involved in exploratory conversations with a couple of mainland authorities and the HIWWT to understand whether such an approach can work from a legal and administrative perspective.

"If it is feasible, further discussions will be needed to establish what these proposals may look like and where might be suitable for new tree planting."

The Isle of Wight Council has also met with senior housing ministers about the Island's housing needs.

It comes as the Isle of Wight Campaign for the Protection of Rural England again voices its concern at the 'unprecedented' number of planned new houses for the Isle of Wight.

The draft Isle of Wight Housing Strategy was published in January.

Reacting, chairman of the Isle of Wight CPRE, Alex Haig-Thomas, said: “With a declining natural population, any large scale house building primarily serves those looking to move here.

“Islanders young and old deserve a bespoke housing policy that serves real local housing need while recognising the constraints of fixed Island infrastructure and protecting our unique landscape.”

In June 2019, the Isle of Wight became England's third UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, which requires the community to work to protect the local environment.

Read more: Isle of Wight becomes UNESCO Biosphere Reserve — for its environmental work

Isle of Wight Council leader Dave Stewart met with secretary of state for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Robert Jenrick and housing minister Chris Pincher at the Conservative Councillors' Association (CCA) dinner in Leicestershire at the weekend.

Councillors also discussed the Island Deal with Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Read more: "Positive assurances": Isle of Wight Conservative councillors say Prime Minister Boris Johnson is committed to Island Deal

Cllr Stewart said Mr Pincher agreed to meet with him to discuss further the Island's housing needs and Island Plan submission.

Cllr Stewart said: "The conversation included the nationwide challenge of providing the right homes in the right places — particularly affordable housing and homes for key workers ideally in 'brown belt' development locations such as Camp Hill or in towns in need of reinvigoration, such as Newport."