WHAT was originally permission for nine houses in Bembridge could end up as a 66-home development.

Thornwood Estates has applied to the Isle of Wight Council to build 57 more properties on a site on Steyne Road and Hillway Road.

Permission was granted in July last year for nine houses, filling a gap on Steyne Road, and work is said to be set to commence on these shortly.

Now, the scheme is proposing phase two, building to the south of the approved housing, using the new access road to build a 'sustainable site' made up of two, three and four-bed homes.

The units would include 20 affordable two and three-bed properties, with the remaining 37 market-priced housing.

Isle of Wight County Press: The extra 57 houses proposed to add to the development. Picture by Simon Denness Architecture)The extra 57 houses proposed to add to the development. Picture by Simon Denness Architecture)

The site has been included in the Isle of Wight Council's draft Island Planning Strategy, which went out for consultation earlier this year, and was allocated for a potential 80 houses.

In documents submitted on behalf of the applicants, agents BCM say as the site will only provide 66 houses in total, 14 fewer than allocated, it offered a more balanced solution.

As part of the development, a new access road would be added to Hillway Road, increasing pedestrian accessibility on footpaths to Steyne Park.

BCM says the scheme would have no negative impact on access, neighbouring amenity, trees, ecology, drainage and landscape and the sensitive design will avoid impact on the nearby listed buildings, Steyne House and Howgate Farm.

To view the application, 21/01884/FUL, you can visit the council's planning portal. Comments can be submitted until January 12, 2022.