By Carole Dennett
The battle to save Ryde’s historic Westridge Farm site is heating up ahead of a high-stakes court showdown in London. But local residents and campaigners may want to adjust their expectations – even if they win in court, celebrations may be short-lived.
On April 8 and 9, the Royal Courts of Justice will hear the Elmfield-based group Greenfield (IOW) Ltd’s appeal against the Isle of Wight Council’s approval of the controversial 473-home West Acre Park development proposed for Westridge Farm. Greenfield has widespread local support, raising £70,000 for legal fees, and their barristers have now pledged to continue representing the case without payment due to its “uniqueness” and the injustice they say has occurred.
However, Iain Delaney of Captiva Homes, the developer behind the proposed project, has expressed confidence in its long-term plans for the site, regardless of the court’s decision. Speaking to the IW Observer this week he revealed the company’s strategy should the court rule in Greenfield’s favour.
“If the residents win, then they will stop this development,” he said. “But if the Court of Appeal finds issues with the council’s handling of the application, we will work with the planning officers to address those issues and bring the application back before the planning committee as quickly as possible.”
He added that Islanders cannot afford delays to developments like West Acre Park, as it meets urgent housing needs in the local area. “There continues to be a desperate need for housing – both open market and affordable – in Ryde. West Acre Park is the largest scheme delivering housing in Ryde over the next five years.”
He also pointed out that the project’s initial phase was popular with Islanders, saying that half of buyers were first-time purchasers, while 80 per cent were existing Isle of Wight residents. “They’re houses that local people want and need,” he added.
The debate surrounding Westridge Farm pits the need for housing against residents’ desperate hopes to preserve Ryde’s dwindling green spaces. The campaign to save the farm centres on its 200-year history as a working farm and the role it plays in the community’s identity.
Councillor Michael Lilley – a leading light in the campaign – emphasised the significance of the fight for many local residents. He said: “This is the one ward that knows about judicial review. Because 600 people locally contributed to raise about £70,000 to have its own lawyers to originally save Westridge Farm, but now the farmland which is very historic to this community.”
