A CONTROVERSIAL decision by Nettlestone and Seaview Parish Council to support the development of 34 homes on Gibb Well Field has been overturned.

At a packed extraordinary meeting on Monday, members withdrew their support of the plans which aim to build 34 homes on Gibb Well Field.

The plans would see care facilities for the elderly and affordable housing which residents had previously said was a priority in a consultation survey last year.

However, residents feared the proposed development, managed by Bloombridge developers, would cause chaos and destroy the beauty spot.

At the meeting, residents expressed additional concerns the proposals would destroy the boundary between Nettlestone and Seaview by 'in-filling' a green belt space between the two communities.

The meeting was attended by around 70 residents at the Masonic Hall in Seaview.

Speaking after the meeting, Dave Adams, on behalf of the Nettlestone Village Residents' Association, said: "We presented a report from a planning consultant who lives in the village. They listened to our argument about preserving open spaces.

"This is what as known as a 'windfall' site and they did not need to develop it. It is about joining up the two areas.

"The council voted unanimously to withdraw their support to which there was loud applause throughout the hall."

Parish clerk, Mark Pink, confirmed the council had withdrawn its support for the scheme and said he would be writing to the Isle of Wight Council's planning department.

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

The consultations have led to a reduced size for the proposed development, altered the parking arrangements and the removal of two roads.