Isle of Wight Pennyfeathers plan prompts Ryde traffic disruption fears

If approved, the scheme would see 830 homes built on fields off Smallbrook Lane and Brading Road, over a period of ten to 12 years.

Commercial space has also been earmarked for a supermarket, a hot food and drink takeaway and a 81-bedroom hotel.

It would also bring about major changes to the road layout, with traffic lights at Westridge Cross removed and two new roundabouts put in.

Under the plans, the T junction, where Smallbrook Lane meets Great Preston Road, would be replaced with a roundabout.

South of the Westridge Garage, which would now not relocate, there would be a new road, leading to another new roundabout on Brading Road.

Here's how to have your say on revised plans for Pennyfeathers in Ryde

To have your say on revised plans for Pennyfeathers in Ryde, click HERE.

Comments should be submitted by Friday, July 26.

At a public engagement event yesterday (Wednesday, July 10), Ryde resident, Steven Parsloe, questioned the need for "that size of development" and said he fears the traffic implications.

"My main concerns are more people living in a particular area, increasing traffic around the Bullen Village area", he told the County Press.

This was echoed by Dominic and Nicola Renzullo, who said they have seen the nearby Cothey Way development become a "rat run" over the years.

Henry Farrell, from Farrell Design Studios, which helped design the scheme, said proposals should do the opposite.

He said: "It is a known hotspot for traffic and we want to address that.

"These plans are a betterment for both junctions. It should reduce traffic and make them safer."

Proposed road layout near Westridge (Image: IWCP)

Proposed road layout on Brading Road (Image: Pennyfeathers IOW)

One resident told the County Press he had concerns that the sewer system could become overwhelmed and wanted assurances over flooding.

Meanwhile, original plans for an energy centre have been scrapped following reservations raised by the council's planning committee.

Developers will now look at a mix of solar photovoltaic (PV) and thermal panels, coupled with heat pumps.

Plans propose setting aside space for community facilities, which could include a community hall, dentist, health hub, or sports facilities.

Developers say the two, derelict properties on either side of Marlborough Road are also in the final stages of being sold.

Outline planning permission was initially given for Pennyfeathers in 2017, but the previous developer stepped away from the project, allowing landowners, Smallbrook Developments Ltd, to bring forward their own proposals.

Developers hope to carry out works in phases and plans for the first phase are due to be submitted in September.