THE newly approved housing scheme in Ryde will set a new benchmark for housing on the Island, according to its developers.

The Isle of Wight Council Planning Committee decided today (Tuesday) to give the green light to Captiva Homes to build 473 new homes, a GP surgery, cafe and open space on Westridge Farm, in Elmfield.

Of the 473 homes, 166 will be affordable — 71 per cent of those rented, while 307 will be at market price.

A campaign had been started to stop the development and save the farm, allowing the current tenant farmers, the Holliday family, to continue farming for another generation, but in a 'head versus heart' decision, the council voted for 'the greater good' by providing the affordable housing.

Councillors said there were more than 2,200 people on the housing register and, weighing up the benefits, four supported the application, which was enough to give the development approval.

Speaking after the planning committee meeting, James Pink, director of Captiva Homes, said he was pleased with the decision to start the next phase of West Acre Park.

He said: "When we began planning this development, it was with the goal of setting a new benchmark for housing on our Island.

"This decision enables us to achieve that goal, securing £100m of investment, protecting 80 local jobs and allowing us to deliver 473 desperately-needed homes – including 166 affordable homes.

"As Islanders ourselves, we recognise and embrace the responsibility that comes with our role.

"We are proud of our track record of delivering 100 per cent of our planning applications and are now looking forward to playing a significant part in providing great value, high-quality homes to be enjoyed by Islanders now and for generations to come."

The development will be delivered in nine phases over the coming years with planning conditions meaning the scheme has to start within three years of permission.