Islnd Echoe So Ventor Parish Council are world experts on demography are they – I never knew
Government-driven housing targets, which could see almost 10,000 new homes built on the Island over the next 15 years, look set to be challenged by the Isle of Wight Council.
The authority intends to prepare an evidence-based case that demonstrates the real housing needs of the Island.
The move comes in direct response to comments and concerns raised by residents in respect to housing numbers contained in the draft Island Planning Strategy – or Local Plan. Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely has also been fighting for a reconsideration of the target and has held a number of meetings with residents across the Island.
Using a new common formula set down by government for councils to “objectively assess housing need”, the plan proposed an annual housing target for the Island of 641 homes.
Council leader Dave Stewart said the authority had listened to Islanders’ concerns and would now seek to put forward its own calculation based on fact, rather than a formula. As part of that, he said he would work closely with Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely to argue the Island’s unique circumstances and what could realistically be achieved in terms of housing delivery.
Decisions, Decisions, Decisions 
It’s strange (to me) that many people want to reject the standard formula as a starting point. It feels like a battle you don’t need to win in order to end up somewhere else if you have a capacity argument that stacks up.
I like the “fact not formula” strapline, though.