The proposals are being progressed under a hybrid application with part of the development being proposed as an outline planning application and the remainder of the site as a full planning application.

The outline application relates to 11 custom build housing plots for the provision of two 2-bed semi-detached houses, five 2-bed detached dwellings and four 3-bed detached dwellings.

The full planning application relates to the demolition of the existing school buildings, the retention, conversion, and extension of the original headteacher’s cottage to a 3-bed detached dwelling and four 2-bed affordable homes. The full planning application also includes the landscaping areas outside of the custom build plots, site access and parking areas outside of the individual plots.

The proposed scheme has been carefully designed to respect the historic character of the area, the established built form along Weston Road, and the architectural qualities of the existing school building, which will be retained and sensitively adapted. The layout prioritises a sense of place, offering a coherent street scene that integrates with the surrounding residential grain, while protecting important views and respecting existing landscape features. The development also includes private gardens, parking provision, and appropriate landscaping to enhance visual amenity and biodiversity including the planting of 27 new trees along the site boundaries.

All the proposed residential buildings would be two-storeys in height, providing a mix of detached and semi-detahced properties. The proposals have been designed in accordance with the Isle of Wight Planning Policies and Guidance, providing 21no. on-site car parking spaces with all 2-bed properties having at least one parking spaces and all 3-bed properties having 2 parking spaces. The proposal includes 12 market houses; to meet the 35% affordable housing requirement, 4 affordable homes are included within the site. This provides a total of 16 homes to meet the local housing needs for custom build homes and affordable housing needs.

A new vehicle access is proposed from Weston Road to access the site which includes footpaths and a new pedestrian crossing from Weston Road into the site. The proposals would result in the loss of 2 existing on-street parking spaces to accommodate the new site access, however, the Keep Clear markings associated with the School will be removed as part of the development and replaced with on-street car parking for local residents ensuring exisintg levels of on-street parking are maintained.

The custom build plots would be controlled by a design code if approved which would limit the choices for external materials to be used at the detailed design stage to ensure the custom houses reflect the character of the local area and the special qualities of the Totland Bay Conservation Area. The final design details would be subject to separate reserved matters planning applications. However details of the outline height, form and massing of the custom builds is provided below alongside details of the propsoed layout and converted school building.