By Isle of Wight Observer
Islanders are being asked to help shape the future of the Island by taking part in a public consultation on the Island’s planning bible.
The Island Planning Strategy (IPS) is a crucial planning document which sets out the overall approach towards future development and the policies to be used in assessing planning applications.
It outlines policies on key issues like future housing need, affordable homes, associated infrastructure and how sustainable developments will help the Island towards its net zero ambitions.
The plan balances social, economic and environmental issues as required by current national planning policy and fronts up to some difficult decisions such as planning for 453 homes per year until 2037 — although 2,358 of these homes across 44 different sites already have planning permission.
Following the decision of full council on May 1 to publish the IPS before submisison t to the Secretary of State, the six-week period for public representation started this week and runs until August 19.
Councillor Paul Fuller, cabinet member for planning and housing, said: “Publishing the IPS is the next big step forward in the process and offers anyone an opportunity to comment, either in support or objection. I would encourage all stakeholders and the community to get involved in this important stage.”
All of the Island Planning Strategy documentation and information on how to comment can be found via iw.observer/ips-consult.
