Skip to content

Westridge Farm scheme causes concern

20th September 2021

CPRE Isle of Wight is greatly concerned by the proposal to build 473 new houses on green fields.

Read an overview of the plans, courtesy of Isle of Wight Radio.

CPRE Isle of Wight is carefully considering the details of the planning application and will be sending a series of objections to the council in due course.

Al Haig Thomas, chairman of CPRE Isle of Wight, said there is a long history of local residents campaigning against the development.

“It is highly disappointing to see developers now attempting to destroy what remains of one of the Island’s few remaining dairy farms, separating Ryde from Nettlestone.

Let’s be clear – there is nothing ‘sustainable’ about lowest-common-denominator greenfield development on this scale – the Island’s undeveloped countryside is a finite resource we cannot plunder indefinitely.

Consideration of this development is only possible because of flawed Island housing targets which serve people looking to move to the Island – not the needs or views of Islanders.

We therefore welcome the Isle of Wight Council’s recent decision to challenge central government housing targets.

Hopefully this can be be the first step in resetting the Island’s planning policy to serve the needs of Islanders and stop the wanton destruction of our much valued rural landscape.”

Give your support

Local councillors and residents are crowdfunding a judicial review of the Westridge Farm (Westacre Park) scheme. Only a small amount is required to complete the initial funding stages and everyone can help.

For more information, see:

Save Westridge Farm campaign