CONTROVERSIAL plans for a housing development in Nettlestone have been backed by the parish council despite objections from villagers.

Residents have spoken of 'mistrust' and 'misrepresentation' after Nettlestone and Seaview Parish Council voted to support the building of 34 properties in Gib Well Field.

Cllr Diane Thomas Foxley, chair of the planning sub-committee, said the scheme would provide care facilities for the elderly and affordable housing which residents had marked a priority in a consultation survey conducted last year.

The scheme will also create a public space in the field which currently has no legal access and parking for Nettlestone Primary School that will resolve traffic issues at drop off and pick up time.

But residents fear the development, managed by Bloombridge developers, will cause chaos and destroy the beauty spot.

David Adams, 58, of Nettlestone, said: "In principle, we have no objection to the care home but the location isn't right. The green brings the countryside into the town and this development goes against everything the council and parish council should be striving to protect.

"We have not been represented at all and we simply do not trust the council or the developers."

Cllr Reg Barry, Isle of Wight Cllr for Nettlestone and Seaview, said: "It is clear the parish councillors feel they don't have to listen to the people they represent. The survey doesn't simply provide a mandate for any housing development in any location."

Both Cllr Barry and Mr Adams cited a similar 1990 application that was rejected by the council along with its appeals.

As there has been no material change to the village, they argue the parish council should not back the plan now.

Chairman of the parish council, Cllr Vilma Barraclough, said: "We voted to support the development because it fulfils the needs shown in the survey that formed the parish plan. We have considered the opposing views and felt the wider needs of the parish outweighed those concerns."

Clerk of the parish council, Mark Pink, said it had been a five-year collaborative process that included locals, the parish council, the developers, and Cllr Reg Barry.

Community engagement with Bloombridge started in December 2013 and four workshops and formal updates have been held since.

The consultations have led to a reduced size, altered parking arrangements and the removal of two roads — the master plan is now in its fifth generation and more aligned with residents' needs.

Richard Cutler, from Bloombridge, said: "I am delighted we received support from the parish council. This reflects a long engagement exercise with the parish council, and our community engagement workshops lead the way."