We’ve all read with dismay the seemingly ever growing number of announcements of large-scale, low density greenfield developments threatening our Island countryside.

The worst schemes, such as Pennyfeathers and West Acre, have attracted literally hundreds of objections as residents have fought in vain to protect their much valued green space. 

Until now, spiv developers have had to whip-hand, being able to bypass local views by appeal to mandatory top down government housing targets. 

Even if their destructive schemes are rejected by the council, they will likely win on appeal to the planning inspectorate citing the Island’s failure to meet its totally unrealistic top-down housing targets. 

The Isle of Wight CPRE (Campaign for Protection of Rural England) has highlighted just how ill-suited these targets are to the Island’s unique housing market. 

But recently our MP Bob Seely won a significant victory for the Island, leading the campaign in Westminster to make top down housing targets advisory and recognise the unique circumstances facing the places such as the Island in delivering housing.

Through this important national legislative change, Bob has helped ensure we deliver the affordable, brownfield-first housing the Island needs, whilst protecting its natural landscape so many of us value so much.