40 homes plan for Wootton Bridge raises concerns, say residents

A plan to build 40 homes in Wootton Bridge has caused a number of concerns among residents. 

So far a total of 11 residents have written to Isle of Wight Council (IWC) to complain that the development would be “too large for the community”, and could cause a range of problems, in their view.

Developer BCM Architecture say they have “worked hard to ensure the local authority are agreeable to the proposal” which will provide future residents with access to “pleasurable public open space and landscaping”.

The proposed houses and associated access roads are to be built on Palmers Farm, Brocks Copse Road, if granted planning permission by IWC and will contain some affordable homes.

Objections to the development so far include road safety, traffic concerns, strain on local facilities such as doctor’s surgeries and schools.

Wootton Bridge development will see 40 homes built around this central wooded area – Google Maps

One resident wrote: “It is a green field site and I feel that if this development is allowed it will only be a matter of time before more applications are submitted for similar builds along Farm Lane. The village doesn’t have the infrastructure for the amount of new people to be accommodated.”

Another resident said school and surgeries were “already at capacity or over subscribed”.

Further concerns about the proximity to the areas of outstanding natural beauty were raised by another resident via the planning portal on the IWC website, they felt the development would have a “significant detrimental impact”.

Concerns about light pollution and the beginnings of a housing estate that “will be extended and extended” were also raised.

“May I remind the planning office executive that this road is part of the Island’s Cycle Route which is a wonderful facility that attracts many cycling tourists and a fatal accident would have far reaching implications,” wrote a Brocks Copse Road resident on Wednesday (July 18).

Close up of site area – Google Maps

Rosie Lansley, Archaeological Officer for IWC said: “The development site lies within an area of known archaeological remains and these are recorded on the Isle of Wight Historic Environment Record.

“Previous rapid field walking has identified prehistoric flint tools and debitage and these are present across the development site and may relate to buried archaeological deposits.

The significance of the site is therefore unknown. To the north east and north west of the development site field walking has identified other prehistoric flint scatters, a burnt flint scatter, medieval pottery and occupation debris.

“In view of this, I recommend that a programme of archaeological trial trenching is carried out prior to determination.

“This will establish whether any further archaeological mitigation is required and prevent unforeseen delays to the development programme once the scheme for the site is finalised.”

BCM’s aerial proposal – Credit: BCM Architecture

A spokesman from Newport based developers BCM Architecture said: “Palmers Farm is in a sustainable location adjacent to the settlement boundary of Wootton, which itself is a Rural Service Centre which is accepted to grow in line with the Island Plan.

“In accepting growth we recognise the importance of high quality design so that when accepting change it is achieved to integrate successfully.

“The proposal will secure a range of housing units, including affordable homes; all of which will benefit from pleasurable public open space and landscaping.  We have worked hard to ensure the local authority are agreeable to the proposal.”

A spokesman for the IWC said: “As the council is also the planning authority, unfortunately, we do not comment on planning applications.”

Comments on this application must be received by close of business on July, you can submit comments using the IWC planning portal online here.