"A planning system that works for us" ­— Our Island policy

The group, which is putting forward candidates for next month’s Isle of Wight Council elections, says a key concern for the Island is the protection of our environment and the state of our planning system.

The group posits that as things stand, the system does not properly serve the Island and often appears beyond the control of councillors.

• The May 6 election explained for Isle of Wight voters

Alasdair Steane, Our Island candidate for Bembridge, believes there must be meaningful consultation with local communities over development proposals.

He said: "This must be supported and given force by the involvement of community representatives from Town and Parish Councils in the decision making process.

Pauline Evans and Alasdair Steane.

“We must also combine the planning system with transport and highways to create a cohesive and holistic approach to place-shaping.

"It needs to be driven by local housing needs and not by inappropriate Government targets.”

• Isle of Wight elections 2021: a full list of local council candidates

Pauline Evans, Our Island candidate for Sandown South, said: “A particular concern is the failure to deal with derelict buildings that besmirch our towns and seafronts.

"The council has plenty of powers that can be used to deal with these.

"We need to ensure there is a clear strategic direction to use these powers.

"This will be supported by our previously stated aim to restructure the council ­— to create the capacity to do what is necessary to support what we need, rather than just maintain the existing council management and bureaucracy.”

• READ Isle of Wight County Press politics news - click here