Beta site under development
Shaping a Sustainable Future in the Biosphere
Branstone is a hamlet in the Southeast of the Isle of Wight. According to the Post Office the population of the hamlet at the 2011 Census was included in the civil parish of Newchurch. The hamlet lies on the A3056 road, near to the larger settlement of Sandown.
More recently, Island businesses and organisations have been involved in creating a new £13.6 million scheme including affordable housing, an outdoor education area, new green space, a rural business park, and a new brewery and visitor centre. Nature and sustainability are at the heart of this flagship regeneration scheme which various stakeholders and partners hope will serve as a beacon for future development on the Isle of Wight.
Autumn 2022 saw the first residents and shared homeowners receive their keys and unlock their new front doors at Branstone Farm.
With a new open green space to enjoy and connect with nature, a communal orchard and garden to grow and harvest produce, and community activities and events to try new things and build new friendships, Branstone Farm is an award-winning development and a template for regeneration, sustainability, and inclusive living.
Each of 42 affordable homes, a major achievement in support of the island housing strategy, has been built to high specification for energy efficiency and reduced energy use for tenants and residents. Tastefully faced in a mixture of wood, stone, and brick to create a harmonious ‘village feel’ and with generous gardens blending into the natural surroundings, there are 2-, 3- and 4-bedroom properties for much needed rental and shared ownership.
Bringing more commercial life to Branstone Farm is a rural business park aimed at introducing spaces for small to medium sized enterprises and creating direct connection between employment and housing as well as considerable community space and engagement use.
The Isle of Wight Council see this development as an important part of their regeneration strategy. Branstone business park will be made up of a state-of-the-art rural business centre of around 14,000 ft.². The various office spaces will be rented to new, growing, and innovative businesses. Branstone business park is fast becoming the premier location on the Isle of Wight for business collaboration, progression, and development. The Island business community is unique to that of other regions and will be celebrated at Branstone business park.
Inspired by the Isle of Wight Biosphere declaration in 2019, a group of organisations including Vectis Housing Association, the council’s regeneration team, the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce and other local partners have secured funding and planning consents to begin the creation of a new rural area where the Biosphere principles of live, work and play can come to life.
With a focus on the Isle of Wight’s Biosphere, roughly half of the farm site is becoming a new public green space which will be open to all, and include hedges, new woodland, ponds, and an outdoor education area.
