Changes to the government's National Policy Planning Framework were confirmed this week, but what does it mean for the Isle of Wight?

Island MP Bob Seely led a campaign he believes will better serve rural and "small town places" such as the Island, and has hailed the new framework as something that will be "very good" for the Island.

Isle of Wight Council leader Phil Jordan was more cautious, saying it is not yet clear what the impact here will be.

Read more about the status of the Island Plan by clicking here

Mr Seely said he led "100 or so" MPs to find a better way of doing housing and planning which was more sensitive to rural and small town places, such as the Isle of Wight. 

He believes the relevant changes are (in his own words):

1. Islands separated by sea will be expected to argue for Exceptional Circumstances, and there is a specific footnote on page 17 to that effect. This means that we can prioritise our own need, not build to national targets. We can do more to protect the environment whilst build affordable homes for Islanders in existing communities.

2. For the first time, housing targets will be seen as advisory. The plan making process has to start with a number. This should, however, be an advisory starting point, a guide that is not mandatory.... "

3. The importance of the character of a place.  “Local authorities will not be expected to build developments at densities that would be wholly out of character with existing areas or which would lead to a significant change of character.”

4. The importance of agricultural land. “I will also provide further protection in national policy for our important agricultural land used for food production, making it harder for developers to build on it.”

Additionally, he  says there are now stronger powers for councils "like ours" to use compulsory purchase to buy derelict buildings.

He believes now increased density in cities is part of government strategy, this will relieve the stress on rural areas.

He said: "I hope all these changes will have a very positive effect on the Island. All part of getting a better deal for the Island."

Cllr Phil Jordan, IW Council leader, said:  "The announcement about the potential availability of Exceptional Circumstances as a basis for defining our housing numbers in the Island Plan is very welcome, although we need to fully understand what it means. 

"On the face of it, the approach suggested in the new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) simply formalises what we have been doing already, which has so far enabled us to lower the proposed annual number of houses to be built from 750 to 460. 

"It is not clear yet whether the newly framed wording has any additional impact.

"As such we have already asked for detailed legal advice on the latest NPPF guidance and changes and how they might impact the council’s current proposals.

"The grounds set out identify a wide range of circumstances and some of these have the potential to increase the housing number if they are to be used.  

"We must also be conscious of other announcements made on Tuesday compelling local authorities to bring forward Local Plans without delay.

"The current plan has resulted from five years' work and has so far cost the council around £750,000.   

"A new plan will take around 18 months to deliver using a different method of calculations and might cost a similar amount again to develop.

"We must be careful and act responsibly if we are to take a different route. 

"That route may mean that the Island Plan process could be started again.  

"I am confident that Cabinet will take all of this into account, be legally informed and make the right decisions with any new information to hand as it recommends to Full Council, who will be making the final decision, on adoption of the Plan.  

"The Alliance have always said they are prepared to listen to other views and take those into account and this is very much the case where this will apply."