RESIDENTS have pressed ahead with a village green application in an attempt to thwart any development plans for a former Ryde holiday camp golf course.
Accountant Mark Wynter has lodged the application with the Isle of Wight Council for the eight acres of land to the south of Puckpool Hill.
To support his case, Mr Wynter — who has lived next to the field since 1953 — has collected statements from residents who claimed to have regularly used the land for recreation "as of right" for periods of more that 20 years.
Mr Wynter said the field, which was turned into a nine-hole golf course in 1994, was used by dog walkers and for recreation for many years before and after that date.
He said the land had been identified as having the potential for more than 100 houses, which would destroy a valuable wildlife habitat.
It has belonged to a company registered in the Channel Islands for seven years.
A management firm acting for the offshore company, which bought the derelict Harcourt Sands holiday centre site and the golf course field opposite, confirmed it would resist the village green application for the field.
It said the application had 'no merit’ because public access was restricted.
The application, and supporting statements, can be viewed at Isle of Wight Council offices and Ryde Library. There is a closing date of November 5 for objections to the application.
l The main Harcourt Sands holiday centre remains derelict while the developer, ZeroC, prepares to consult further over its plans before submitting a planning application. It has a purchase option from the Channel Islands company, subject to gaining planning permission.
Reporter: richardw@iwcpmail.co.uk