By Rufus Pickles - Local Democracy Reporter
Derelict houses, that have been empty for years, could soon be occupied as calls are made for action to be taken over their unsightly state.
The two properties on the corner of Marlborough Road, on Westridge Cross, were interlinked with the Pennyfeathers development. They were originally bought to be demolished, and the sites used as part of a highway widening scheme. While planning permission was granted for the work to take place, it has not been carried out.
The major 904 house development, behind Smallbrook Lane and stretching along near to Busy Bee Garden Centre, has since been refused, and local ward councillor, Michael Lilley, has called for enforcement action. He has been speaking to Isle of Wight Council officers who said they would look at taking enforcement action in six months if nothing had happened.
At a Ryde Town Council meeting earlier this month, concerned residents raised the matter saying the timeframe was up and asked for something to be done.
Following the meeting, Cllr Lilley said he had continually tried to get the matter addressed and has had conversations about compulsory purchasing them, potentially in partnership with a local housing association so they could provide rented accommodation. He said the Pennyfeathers development — first proposed nearly ten years ago — was a fantasy project which has “created a real nightmare” for the neighbours of the houses on Marlborough Road’
Now a spokesman, on behalf of the Pennyfeathers team, has said initial work on the properties has commenced, and they are in the process of being sold to local families.
In its budget for the coming year, Ryde Town Council has agreed to employ the services of a planning enforcement officer.
Isle of Wight Observer 
Isle of Wight Observer