SIXTY-SIX houses could be built on a sheep pasture in Northwood — despite concerns from residents who say health services are stretched to breaking point.

An application has been submitted to the Isle of Wight Council by Peter Harding, seeking outline permission for 66 homes with associated roads, parking and open space with access only off Newport Road.

The development would consist of two, three and four bedroom houses, and bungalows and the plans have been split into three phases.

The first phase includes 30 homes with access off Newport Road.

Phase two includes 13 homes with open space, and phase three would see 25 more houses added, with an optional second access further down the road.

Although there are no affordable homes currently included in the plans, Mr Harding said he was prepared to enter into an agreement with the council to provide the required 35 per cent. A quarter of the development would be suitable for older people.

Residents have voiced their concerns over the plans, with 11 registering comments on the online application.

Amanda Grabham, from Horseshoe Close, Cowes, wrote: “It is virtually impossible to get a doctors appointment at Cowes Health Centre already due to the lack of doctors and the amount of residents needing to be seen.

“Sixty-six more families added to the already over stretched service will be a massive negative effect and cost lives due to people not being treated when they need to be.”

At the end of July, Cowes Medical Centre closed its books to NHS dental patients, forcing hundreds of patients to transfer to Bembridge dental practice or the Mall in Newport.

Concerns were also raised about adding a junction off Newport Road.

Joanne Elliott from Northwood wrote: “This junction at Northwood is far too busy with cars as it is, adding another 66 properties with at least one car each, some will properties with two cars is a joke.

“It would be an accident waiting to happen with another junction, you can’t get out of Oxford Street at the moment and adding another set of traffic lights wouldn’t work either, as it would be gridlocked.

“The Newport to Cowes road is already far too busy as there is only one main road from Newport to Northwood and only narrow country lanes as and alternative.”

Residents can view and comment on the plans until August 24.

A parish council meeting is being held on August 21 (Tuesday) at 7.30pm to discuss the plans.