MP Bob Seely has objected to fresh plans to build houses on a parcel of greenfield land on the outskirts of Newport.
The application proposes the construction of 13 houses in Landscape Lane despite a previous application for 14 houses on the land being rejected last year.
Mr Seely said there was no need for houses on greenfield land when regeneration was needed in the town centre.
He said: “Removing an area of agricultural land to build car-dependent housing on the outskirts of the town does not fit with Newport's needs moving forward. Regeneration is needed in the town centre with empty properties brought back into use.
“There are brownfield sites in Newport that could be developed to drive regeneration and provide low-cost housing. There is absolutely no need to build houses on this parcel of greenfield land.”
Mr Seely went on to say that the development would not deliver affordable homes for Islanders.
“These are car-dependent market houses that we have in abundance on the Island. We need more suitable, and genuinely affordable, accommodation to meet the needs of Islanders, and this is where our efforts need to be focussed. We must not allow developers to distract us from putting Islanders first.”
He added that the plans would increase traffic in the area and impact on existing residents.
“The additional traffic that would be generated as a result of these additional houses would put more pressure on the surrounding roads, worsening congestion at busy times. There would also inevitably be an increased risk of accidents and injury at the junctions with Staplers Road and Long Lane.
“The application gives little consideration to pedestrians, service vehicles, or existing residents. Island Roads say the footways are too narrow and service vehicles won't be able to pass. Hampshire Constabulary say the new footpath will increase the opportunities for crime and disorder and the fear of crime. This all points to the fact that this development is ill-thought-through and driven purely by profit with little consideration given as to how it will impact residents and traffic.”
Mr Seely said he was pleased previous plans were rejected and added, “I hope that, for the sake of the existing residents of Landscape Lane and motorists, these plans are rejected.”
Residents have until Wednesday 19 January to comment on the plans [21/02423/OUT].
