Isle of Wight major housing development could start in weeks

It comes as the go-ahead was again given for the 473-home West Acre Park scheme, which could start in weeks once the consent is granted.

Developer, Captiva Homes has said it is pleased the Isle of Wight Council's planning committee approved the next phase last night (Tuesday).

The development's permission had been paused after an issue was raised around the potential loss of curlew habitat, but this has now been mitigated.

A spokesperson for the Island housebuilders said the council's decision will enable them to set a benchmark for housing on the Island, securing £100 million of investment, protecting 80 local jobs and delivering 'much-needed' homes, including 166 affordable ones.

They said: "As Islanders, 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 developers now only need the legal agreements behind the permission to be signed off before work can start on-site.

• Read more: What will happen to the curlew? Questions answered as West Acre Park plans progress

Speaking at the council’s planning committee last night (Tuesday) Iain Delaney, Captiva’s chief executive, said they know Islanders want and need the homes, with 747 active enquiries on the waiting list already.

He highlighted the lack of affordable homes built on the Island in the last decade — which he felt was a huge contributor to the Island’s housing crisis — and that Captiva would be building 166 in the new development.

Mr Delaney said they recognise greenfield development comes at a cost but some greenfields would need to be built on if homes are to be delivered for Islanders.

He said: “We can say with confidence, this development is setting new standards on the Island in its approach to sustainability.”

Concerns of local residents had been listened to, Mr Delaney said, and they are committed to building the state-of-the-art, increased capacity, doctor’s surgery for Ryde which already has NHS funding.

He said: “I am sure we can all agree inappropriate, unsustainable and undeliverable proposals should be stopped, but [West Acre Park] is none of those things.”