Projects

West Island Printers
The photograph on the right is of Rectory Field, a meadow bounded by Stroud Road, Freshwater. Outline planning for 109 housing units was submitted to the Isle of Wight Council for this meadow and the adjoining site currently occupied by West Island Printers. Unfortunately the applicantion was withdrawn before it was considered by the Isle of Wight Council's Planning Committee. The applicants planning advisor has stated a revised application will be made at a later date.

We are concerned, not only because the infrastructure of Freshwater will be unable to support a development of this size, it will also have a detrimental effect on Afton Marsh. The Marsh is a SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) and has been designated a LNR (Local Nature Reserve) by Natural England. We will fight any proposal which is likely to affect this delicate balance.

Freshwater Library
The exterior of Freshwater Library is being re-furbished. Perhaps this signifies that earlier plans to sell the site for redevelopment have been shelved for the time being.

Freshwater Library was built in 1937 and with its grass and flower beds in the front it is very picturesque. Across the road is the Brook and another grassy area which add to the very pleasant village setting.

Rural Post Offices
The Post Office at Church Place is now closed, also there are plans to close Freshwater's main Post Office and relocate it in the Co-Op supermarket at the junction of Hooke Hill and Afton Road. These changes are a blessing and a curse in equal proportions and as with most decisions made in isolation little consideration has been shown to the community. The Post Office at Freshwater Bay remains open.

Stroud Coppice
Development started at Stroud Coppice and then stopped as the planning application was rejected. Apparently the earlier planning permission, granted in 1985, had been extinguished by work taking place without permission. It is expected either an appeal will be launched, by the developer, or new planning permission will be sought. The site comprises an open meadow and ancient woodland. In the UDP (Unitary Development Plan) the meadow is designated for development and the woodland is designated as a SINC (Site of Importance for Nature Conservation). As development of the meadow is bound to affect the woodland it seems a strange thing to allow. We are monitoring what is taking place there.

Village Design Statement
The Association is working with the Freshwater Bay Residents Association and Freshwater Parish Council to produce a Village Design Statement for Freshwater. Work is well underway and it is anticipated a draft document will be produced in the not too distant future.

As we gain expertise we will be able to assist directly or offer support to fight any matter which is considered to be not in the best interests of Freshwater. If you have specialist knowledge of rural matters, or town and country planning, we would be grateful for your support.