Redundant Social Services HQ Could Make Way For Affordable Housing In Newport

Ten affordable new homes could replace a former social services building in the Isle of Wight’s county town.

The Isle of Wight Council is looking to demolish a redundant Social Services Headquarters at 17 Fairlee Road in Newport, and replace it with ‘small and affordable’ two-bedroom apartments within a single structure.

The existing building at the site is at risk of becoming derelict and has ‘ongoing issues’ with dry rot, a statement submitted by County Hall says.

“This site is part of the approximately 60 hectares of Island brownfield land suitable for redevelopment. As this site is council owned, funding from the Brownfield Land Release Fund will be utilised to allow the council to clear this site.

“As brownfield land can be expensive to prepare for house building, resulting in sites sat empty and potentially eyesores for local communities, this funding is designed to assist in the clearing empty buildings, former car parks and industrial land to make way for new homes.

“Our proposal will provide accommodation of good design, appropriate and reflective of the area and meets the National Planning Policy Framework.

“The proposal does not seek to overpopulate the site, but instead provide necessary housing within an environment that will benefit the residents, allowing appropriate parking spaces, bike storage and communal amenity space.”

A public consultation on application 25/01278/OUT ends on October 17 and a decision is scheduled for December 19.