Isle of Wight AONB development allowed
Following preparation of a robust Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, Influence Environmental Ltd provided landscape advice in the appeal by written representations made by Executors of Cheverton Estate against the decision of Isle of Wight Council to refuse outline permission for a residential development comprising 55 residential units and a doctor’s surgery on land at Main Road in Brighstone.
The development is located within the Isle of Wight Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and the key issues disputed at this appeal included the effect of the development on an area of green open space within the AONB, impact on landscape character and appearance and heritage considerations.
The appeal was allowed by a planning Inspector who agreed with the conclusions of Influence’s assessment that once the proposed landscaping has established and begun to mature the residual effect of the development on the local character and appearance would be not more than of minor to moderate significance.
While details of the appearance of buildings and landscaping of the site would be reserved for future consideration, the Inspector concluded that the outline proposal would cause some, albeit minor, adverse effects on the AONB, and agreed that they would lessen in time, as evidenced in our reports.
The Inspector agreed with the Appellant that due to insufficient previously developed land in or adjoining Brighstone to provide for the development required, there were compelling reasons to agree the principle of development notwithstanding the AONB location, and that the harm was not sufficient to justify the refusal in planning terms.
An application for full costs submitted by the Appellant was also allowed.