Residents are being invited to find out more and have their say on new plans for a proposed development on the Pennyfeathers site in Ryde. Landowners in discussion with the IW Council have gone back to the drawing board and are putting forward new plans which they feel are better for the area.

Dave Farrell, lead designer and project manager, said: “We listened to comments from residents and councillors and went back to the drawing board. We have some exciting plans which include major improvements to local roads, a reduction in housing levels and new commercial space delivering new local jobs.”

The plans are not yet set in stone and will be shaped following consultation with Ryde residents, stakeholders and the wider Island community. A drop-in engagement event will be held on Wednesday, July 10, between 3pm and 7.30pm at Ryde Castle, where the plans for a new 830-home scheme will be showcased.

The new proposals will include a reduced number of new homes and retains around 50 per cent of the site as designated green space, parkland and re-wilding. The plans could include a care home, 35 per cent affordable housing and major highway changes at Westridge Cross. The development would be phased over a number of years and include a mix of new homes and community uses as well as commercial space, including space earmarked for a budget supermarket, coffee shop and a national chain hotel.

More than 2,500 households in and around the town have received an invite to the engagement event. A project website will go live on July 10 at 3pm at iw.observer/pennyfeathers.