From Zoe Redley, Ryde:

I’m confused. How does the IW planning committee operate? Why is it so inconsistent in its decisions?

Recently, as reported (CP, 28-09-18), the committee refused permission for the Roadside Inn to be converted into flats on the grounds the pub was a community asset (although its been closed for years).

On the same day, the same committee approved plans for 140 homes to be built on Rosemary Vineyard site, even though Ryde Town Council, Havenstreet and Ashey Parish Council plus more than 100 local residents objected strongly to the development.

Let’s make this clear, as it wasn’t in the CP article, Trotters Riding School is included in this development. In fact, the plans show more homes are sited on the Trotters land (49 units) than on the other two pieces of land (Sharon Orchard 46 units; Rosemary Vineyard 45 units). Trotters and Rosemary Vineyard are both community assets still in use. Also, when contacted, our local councillor told us they were unable to support us in our objections as they had a close relationship with one of the landowners, who incidentally was a councillor up until the planning application was submitted. I thought our councillors were supposed to support us.