New homes on the cards for Somerton?

By IW Observer.co.uk Apr 26, 2022

Planners are recommending that a total of 146 homes be approved on the site of the former Somerton Reservoir, but have accepted that only 10 per cent of them will be affordable, instead of the usual 35 per cent.

The Isle of Wight Planning Committee will be asked to approve the plans on Tuesday (April 26), including 28 three-bedroomed houses, three four-storey blocks of flats comprising 72 two-bed homes and a block of 44 assisted living units.

It has taken four years since the plans were submitted to reach agreement on the brownfield site, with disagreements mainly around the level of affordable housing to be provided. Originally it was proposed that no affordable units were to be included because of the expense of developing the unusual site, but after expert submissions from both sides, planners have reached a compromise with the developers, Heartwood Homes, because the site will include assisted living units.

The existing bungalow on the site, next to the Cowes Park and Ride, will be demolished to make way for the new homes.

Plans have also been submitted to the council for 149 homes on the edge of Gunville, a development that was refused by the council ten months ago. The revised plans are said by the applicant’s agents to have addressed the problems found with the previous application. You can view the plans, 22/00629/OUT and 22/00631/FUL, on the council’s planning register and comments can be submitted until May 16.