By Isle of Wight Observer
Outline planning permission has been approved for a residential development on land off Newport Road, Cowes. The proposal includes around 163 dwellings, 57 of them affordable, with associated access, landscaping, open space and a commercial business park providing employment opportunities on a greenfield site that was formerly Somerton Farm.
The site in Northwood was earmarked for development by the Isle of Wight Council. Planning Committee members voted in favour of granting permission subject to various conditions and a Section 106 agreement, which will include plans to protect the natural habitat and manage communal areas, affordable housing provision and provide cycleway.
The applicants’ agents said: “Significantly, 35 per cent of the new homes will be affordable homes, all designed to be indistinguishable from private market housing. This will assist in creating a mixed and balanced community.”
Both Northwood Parish Council and Cowes Town Council submitted formal objections. Northwood Parish Council raised concerns about traffic, infrastructure, and the impact on local services. Cowes Town Council objected on grounds including overdevelopment and loss of green space. Cowes Medical Centre also objected on the grounds that they would be unable to recruit additional staff, as did somebody styling himself ‘Lord IOW Council are Muppets’, who gave his address as ‘IOW council are usless, Couldn’t organise a pissup, In a brewery’.
Public comments were overwhelmingly opposed with 52 letters against, five supporting and two neutral.
The officer’s report noted that the site is within a sustainable location and that the development would contribute to meeting housing needs, including affordable housing provision.
The decision grants outline permission only, meaning detailed design and layout will be subject to future applications. The approved scheme will now proceed to its next planning stage.