A REVISED plan to build redesigned business units on a new £13 million site on the Isle of Wight that includes an affordable housing estate, has been approved.

The Isle of Wight Council's planning committee backed changes to the of Wight Council's former Branstone Farm Studies Centre, near Apse Heath, at a meeting on Tuesday evening.

Planning permission was granted for the redevelopment of the site in February 2021, which allowed the construction of 42 affordable houses, alongside a cluster of 16 business units, adjacent to the main Newport to Sandown road. 

Despite the approval, it was done with a condition.

The initial plans for the business park comprised a range of business units, arranged as a quadrant, around a central courtyard area. 

However, owing to the position of power lines at the site, changes to the design for part of the business park needed to be amended.

Council planning officers recommended to councillors a design of two gabled two-storey, barn-style units, opposite each other, be built either side of a parking area, rather than the original U-shaped terrace of ten units. 

Cllr Matt Price said: "If ever there was something to be proud of, this is it. It is a fantastic design," before urging fellow councillors to vote in favour of it.

The southern section of the business units have already been constructed, following approval.

Councillors voted nine to zero in favour of the new plan.