Newport Flats And HMO Bid Provokes Backlash From Neighbours

A proposal to turn a former doctor’s surgery in the Isle of Wight’s county town into flats and a nine-bed HMO has provoked a backlash from neighbours.

Mr R. Owolabi’s planning application for a conversion of the Medina Healthcare buildings at 16 West Street in Newport has raised concerns over the road’s ‘horrendous’ parking situation.

His 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.

Objecting, West Street resident Stephanie Bayley said the road ‘cannot cope’ with another 13 cars trying to park.

She said:

“As a resident of West Street and Blue Badge holder, parking is already horrendous with people leaving their cars whilst they go to work or shopping in the town.

“13 new residences could equal at least that number more cars wanting to park in the road.

"There just isn’t the space, especially bearing in mind the proposed new accommodation in New Street for veterans.

“I go weeks and weeks not leaving my house because of the anxiety it causes not being able to park when I get home.

“West Street cannot cope with another 13 cars trying to park. As it is, I struggle to get carers or cleaners to assist me because of the parking issues.”

Ms Bayley’s concerns were echoed by fellow neighbours Simon Johnson and Stuart Woodley.

The proposal is also opposed by highways service provider Island Roads who said a ‘lack of on-site car parking…could have implications affecting the highway network’.

A Planning Statement attached to the application said:

“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.”

County Hall’s public consultation on proposal 25/00800/FUL finishes on August 15 and a decision is expected on September 8.