Plans To Convert Former Newport Doctors Surgery Into HMO And Flats Refused

Plans to transform a former doctor’s surgery in the Isle of Wight’s county town into an eight-bed House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) and three flats have been refused.

Rufus Owolabi’s proposed change of use of 16 West Street in Newport into ‘low-cost’ housing would result in provide poor living conditions, outlook and levels of privacy for future occupiers, planners have concluded.

His agent, planning consultant Paul Stack, previously said the proposal would help to maintain the vitality of the town centre.

The application follows a previous scheme which was withdrawn in September 2025 after several objections, including from Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council and Island Roads.

A decision report on application 26/00121/FUL gave two reasons for the refusal – the plans’ failure to provide high standards of amenity for future residents and possible adverse effects on the Solent Special Protection Area (SPA).

It said:

“Whilst there would be benefits in reusing the building for housing, those benefits are significantly reduced due to poor layout and arrangement of the accommodation and the poor standard of amenity and living conditions this would provide for future residents.

“In addition, without mitigation having been secured, the proposal would also result in unmitigated adverse impacts on the Solent SPA in terms of increased recreational pressure.”

Paul Stack previously said:

“There is an identified need for the proposed low-cost rented accommodation and on this basis occupancy rates should be relatively secure, thereby ensuring the future maintenance of this building, helping to maintain the vitality of the nearby town centre.

“This proposal would make an important and vital contribution to supporting the council’s strategies aimed at tackling Island residents’ housing needs, as well as rough sleeping and homelessness on the Island.”