Michael Bedford KC begins Isle of Wight Local Plan hearings
Planning and Environment, Local Government
On Tuesday 25 February 2025 the hearings of the Isle of Wight Island Planning Strategy Local Plan Examination get underway at County Hall, Newport, on the Island.
The IPS, once adopted, will replace most of the 2012 Core Strategy (other than minerals/waste) and provide the Island with an up-to-date Local Plan. As a ‘transitional’ plan, it will be examined under the 2023 version of the NPPF and so will be one of the last to debate arguments about the demographic-based Standard Method versus claimed ‘exceptional circumstances’ to establish housing needs.
The deliverability of housing, and especially affordable housing, will be a key issue in the special circumstances of the Island’s housing market and the limitations of the local house building sector. The high-quality environment of the Island (a United Nations Biosphere) will also feature in the balance between meeting needs and respecting constraints.
Michael Bedford KC is acting for the Isle of Wight Council, together with its planning team. The hearings are programmed for the next two weeks.
Michael’s practice covers all areas of town and country planning, local government law, judicial review, environmental law, infrastructure, highways, and compulsory purchase. He acts for developers, land owners and public sector clients. Learn more about his practice here.
