Former Doctor's Surgery Could Become Flats And HMO

A former doctor’s surgery in the Isle of Wight’s county town could become ‘affordable’ residential accommodation, including a nine-bed HMO.

Mr R. Owolabi has lodged plans with County Hall for a conversion of the Medina Healthcare buildings at 16 West Street in Newport, vacated last year.

In April 2024, Medina Healthcare said the property’s landlord wished to put it up for sale.

The applicant’s proposal is for a one-bedroom flat and three flats with two bedrooms, plus a nine-bed HMO and a ‘substantial’ communal garden for the ‘benefit of all residents’, according to a Design and Access Statement.

“The object is to offer affordable accommodation and HMO facilities beneficial to the Island’s community,” the document says.

A Planning Statement attached to Mr Owolabi’s application says:

“The proposed conversion of the ex-surgery building is suitable to create the indicated accommodation to provide the self-contained flats and HMO rooms and facilities.

“The buildings and grounds subject to this application are owned solely by the applicant so there will be no impediment to developing the site.

“The work generated will increase economic activity which should be beneficial for employment on the Island.”

Highways service provider Island Roads objected to the application:

“Due to the lack of on-site car parking, the proposals envisaged in this application could have implications affecting the highway network.

“More favourable consideration could be given if robust evidence was submitted regarding predicted car ownership levels and a Parking Provision Assessment was carried out in accordance with the Guidelines for Parking Provision.”

The council’s public consultation on proposal 25/00800/FUL closes on August 15 and a decision is due on September 8.