THE OWNER of Bembridge Harbour has promised to quickly start development there after finally being given the green light by the IW Council.

Malcolm Thorpe said: "Our plans have now been on hold for two additional years - it has proved difficult to keep and retain our business levels during that time, so we are not going to waste much time in bringing these plans forward."

The IW Council's 2015 approval was put under the spotlight after officers received detailed concerns from an objector about financial information relating to the companies that control the harbour.

But Tuesday's planning committee meeting was told the barrister and district valuer both OKd the figures of the so-called "enabling development."

Bembridge Harbour Trust, which unsuccessfully tried to buy the harbour, called for a decision to be deferred pointing to fundamental flaws in the financial case.

Trust chairman Jeremy Gully said analysis showed there were five more houses than needed - an unnecessary incursion into the countryside - with profits going to a property company - not the harbour.

Cllr Reg Barry said: "I don't understand that the five companies involved are all owned by the same people.

"It is like the emperor's new clothes. Is it only me that can see there is something wrong here?"

The application generated more than 500 letters - mostly objections.

But deputy council leader Cllr Stuart Hutchinson said there were sufficient safeguards for all profits to be invested in the harbour's facilities and its future.

Mr Thorpe told the meeting investment of more than £1.2m had brought tens of thousands of visitors to East Wight businesses but development was badly needed to make improvements to facilities.

Mr Thorpe's plan to build a total of 13 homes and 12 light industrial units, and using the profit to build new harbour offices, toilet and shower facilities and a new sewage treatment plant was approved by four votes to three.

Development will be at Selwyn Boatyard and at the Bembridge and Duver marinas.