New Homes in Northwood

Posted by Admin on 20 February 2012, 11:58 am

Residents will recall the extremely well-attended meeting I called last year at the W.I. Hall to give a presentation by a Planning Officer about possible new local housing sites put forward by landowners as part of the Island Plan Core Strategy providing for housing demand up to 2026.

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A public enquiry followed late last year which resulted in the Council’s estimate of 1350 new homes being required in the Medina Valley area in excess of those for which planning permissions had already been granted being accepted by the Inspector. This Core Strategy will be considered by Full Council on 21st March when I expect it to be approved.

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Of course the Medina Valley is a large area covering both sides of the river bounded by East Cowes, Newport, Northwood, Gurnard and Cowes so it is perhaps not surprising that this number of new homes would be required over that 15 year period.

As far as Northwood is concerned, sites which could accommodate in excess of 3000 new homes have been put forward for consideration. Most of these are judged to be either deliverable or developable meaning they could be developed to meet that 15 year demand. However, that amount of land is clearly considerably in excess of not just Northwood’s needs but that of the whole Medina Valley.

So after adoption of the Strategy on 21st March, Council Planners will start the process of carefully evaluating all the proposed sites to find those most suitable under a number of criteria to meet the approved demand.

As far as Northwood is concerned I understand that need will importantly include local demand for new homes, be they starter homes for first time buyers, larger homes for expanding families or affordable homes including social rented for those on the housing waiting list.

So do you have a view on how many new homes should be built in Northwood, what type and where they could be built?

In particular are you a local resident who needs new accommodation because for example you are getting married/setting up home, are living in overcrowded or cramped conditions or need to rent from a housing association because you do not have the money for a deposit for a private purchase?

Please consider all these matters and respond to me via my email address roger.mazillius@iow.gov.uk or I can also be reached via post at 21 Oxford Street, Northwood, PO32 8PT or my telephone 01983 295556 if you have any questions prior to giving your views.

Northwood Parish Council intend preparing a Village Plan which will include local housing demand. Parish Councillor details are available via this site and Vice Chairman Pat Bentley is leading on the Plan.

Of course parents can assist on behalf of their children or grandparents for grandchildren or if you have no family or personal need for a new home but are a local resident your opinions are also most certainly required. What is important is that we gather in as many views as possible so that Northwood’s informed opinions are made known.

I will keep this running for say the next four weeks and then review the need for an extension thereafter.

Best wishes and thank you for reading this rather long article.

Roger Mazillius