Changes in government planning rules will mean a delay in the new Island Plan being presented to councillors, the Isle of Wight Council said (Wednesday).
Cabinet members were due to consider the latest draft of the Island Planning Strategy (IPS) at their meeting on 11 January 2024 before forwarding it to Full Council for any final decision.
However, just before Christmas, the government released a new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) which could have implications for the Island.
The first change refers to “exceptional circumstances” which may be applicable to certain areas of the country.
The second important change is a specific reference to “islands with no land bridge that have a significant proportion of elderly residents.”
This reference is in relation to whether the characteristics of an area may represent ‘exceptional circumstances’ which could justify a different approach to calculating housing need than the standard method the government had expected and required local authorities to use.
According to past legal opinion as well as initial advice on the new NPPF that has been received by the council, there is no certainty that using a different approach will result in a lower housing number than the one in the current draft IPS.
There is even the possibility that using ‘exceptional circumstances’ might result in a higher housing figure. This is due to the requirement to have regard to market and demographic trends.
Councillor Paul Fuller, Cabinet member for planning, coastal protection and flooding, said: “Given the new government planning policy guidance contained in the NPPF, it is only right that we take time to review the implications of that new policy and in particular the meaning of exceptional circumstances.
“We have already asked for independent, updated legal and demographic advice over the content of the new NPPF and what it could mean for us on our Island.
“While these national changes might make it easier for us to take a redefined approach to the draft plan, we have to think carefully and consider all options from a fully informed viewpoint.
“Once we have the necessary advice back, we will be able to decide on the most appropriate route to providing a new Island Plan so the Island can benefit from the protections and positive benefits a plan will provide as soon as possible.”
The draft Island Plan, or an alternative approach if considered appropriate, will be considered at a future Cabinet meeting.