Objections Raised Over Plans For 13-Bed HMO In Former Newport Surgery

Fresh plans to convert a former doctor’s surgery in the Isle of Wight’s county town into a 13-bed House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) have been criticised as ‘excessive’ and lacking parking capacity.

Five members of the public have so far objected to Rufus Owolabi’s revised planning application for a change of use of 16 West Street in Newport, citing issues such as privacy, noise and anti-social behaviour.

The proposal includes 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, previously said the plans represent an ‘appropriate and sympathetic’ introduction of low-cost accommodation which will allow for the continued upkeep and maintenance of the building.

West Street local Simon Johnson said:

“Parking in West Street has long been an issue. It is very difficult to find a parking space.

"We have been obliged to buy an annual parking ticket for Chapel Street car park for the last several years in order to have somewhere to park our single vehicle.

“To provide only three parking spaces for 13 residents is, frankly, laughable.”

Mr Johnson described the area as ‘remarkably quiet’ and ‘peaceful’ and expressed disquiet over how much noise would be generated by the HMO’s occupiers.

He added that the value of his property would be bound to be affected with the granting of planning permission.

Another neighbour, Stephanie Bayley, said the application ‘seems excessive’ and that more cars will ‘cause more issues’.

Island Roads made no objection to the proposal subject to a highway safety condition being imposed.

The Isle of Wight Council’s public consultation on application 26/00600/FUL is now closed and a decision is expected on July 1.