Fresh Bid Submitted To Turn Former Newport GP Surgery Into 13-Bed HMO

Fresh proposals have been lodged to convert a former doctor’s surgery in the Isle of Wight’s county town into a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO).

Rufus Owolabi has put forward a revised planning application for a change of use of 16 West Street in Newport to a 13-bed HMO after the council refused his last site proposal, citing ‘poor living conditions’.

The latest plans include 13 bedrooms and two communal kitchen, living and dining rooms, with a shared garden at ground floor level.

Mr Owolabi’s agent, Paul Stack Planning, said:

“The proposal represents an appropriate and sympathetic introduction of low-cost accommodation that will allow for the continued upkeep and maintenance of the building, thereby benefitting the urban environment and helping to maintain the vitality of the town centre.

“All the previous concerns of the Local Planning Authority (LPA) have been overcome and/or addressed within this resubmission.”

County Hall rejected a previous bid from the applicant for an eight-bed HMO and three flats.

Planners said the proposed change of use would result in poor living conditions, outlook and levels of privacy for future occupiers.

The Isle of Wight Council’s public consultation on the updated proposal 26/00600/FUL lasts until June 15 and a decision is due on July 1.