West Wight Middle School, where the Isle of Wight Council is considering building 50 homes. Picture by Robin Crossley.
PLANS to build dozens of homes on a former Isle of Wight school site have been recommended for conditional permission by council officers.
The Isle of Wight Council planning committee is due to meet Tuesday, next week, when it will discuss plans to demolish the disused West Wight Middle School building and erect 50 homes on the site.
The recommendation comes just weeks after residents in the village spoke out about the plans at a meeting organised by Freshwater Village Association.
Dozens of people who attended criticised the lack of consultation on the plans, which have been put forward by the Isle of Wight Council itself, with Spectrum Housing chosen as a special purchaser.
Concerns were also raised about traffic.
Freshwater Parish Council hopes to take over the former school's playing field, to ensure it can continue to be used by local sports clubs.
It is negotiating with the Isle of Wight Council to take on the lease for a peppercorn rent.
Parish council clerk Sally Woods said: "There is a lot of confusion and people are worried the playing field will be built on.
"It is well used by youth football teams and Freshwater Cricket Club, and we are working with West Wight Sports Centre to take over the lease to make sure that carries on.
"The Isle of Wight Council has been very positive about letting us have the lease."
The parish council has not objected to the planning application.
Reporter: ross.findon@iwcp.co.uk