By Isle of Wight Observer
The construction of a farm worker’s bungalow on the edge of Alverstone will go ahead despite three objections from local residents.
The planning application, for a single-storey house next to the Oaklea Dairy Farm by the Alverstone Road and Kern Lane junction in Alverstone, has been approved by planners.
The building will have an entrance hall with a storm porch, study, living room, kitchen and diner, utility room with an adjacent WC, bathroom and two bedrooms with ensuites.
A Design, Access and Planning Statement, prepared by the Andrew White Planning Consultancy, said that the farm worker’s dwelling was to be used in connection with existing cattle operations and would be primarily of traditional ‘cottage style’, although the north elevation would have a more contemporary appearance. It added that the new dwelling would meet a ‘local need’.
One resident said: “The proposed dwelling location is opposite my property. I am a severely disabled 63-year-old and totally wheelchair and housebound.
“One of my only pleasures in life is looking out of my front window and viewing the vista of Brading Downs. This dwelling will block out these views and have a severe impact on my health and well-being.”
Another resident agreed and added: “There is sufficient land available to the farmer, nearer his property, to build his so-called worker’s dwelling which would have no impact on our small village location and the views currently enjoyed.”
There were no objections from Island Roads, the local parish council or other statutory consultees.
The justification for the decision said that the need for a worker to be present at most times and the financial case for the new property had been met. No alternative existing dwelling could meet the proven need for a home for a rural worker. Officers also concluded that the development would not have a detrimental impact on the surroundings or nearby properties.
