Sandown Calls For Tougher Controls On HMOs Amid Rising Concerns

Sandown Town Council has backed new proposals to limit the number of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in the town — a move supporters say is needed to protect family housing and community wellbeing.

At a meeting on Monday (September 22), councillors voted to endorse a draft Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), which will now be sent to the Isle of Wight Council for consideration.

The plan also includes a commitment to public consultation.

The draft guidance sets out a series of controls, including:

• Limits on the density of HMOs in Sandown.

• A public HMO register for the town.

• Stronger planning tests to ensure HMO conversions don’t undermine family housing or sustainable community growth.

Applications would also need to prove there is no negative impact on neighbours, that bedroom and communal space standards are met, and that waste storage and bin arrangements are adequate.

The planning committee’s report highlights Freedom of Information data from July 2025, showing Sandown, Shanklin and Lake — which together make up just over 20% of the Island’s population — host more than a third of all HMOs.

It argues this concentration has fuelled community tensions, put pressure on services, and reduced housing choice for families.

But not all councillors agreed. Cllr Debbie Andre, who represents Sandown North at County Hall, voted against the proposal.

She said:

“By wanting to restrict the number of HMOs in Sandown, other town, parish and community councils could follow suit, meaning there would inevitably be a drop in the number of HMOs across the Island, and this would drive deprivation and homelessness.

“I voted against the agenda item and will continue to work with all partners to ensure that all Sandown residents are able to enjoy a good quality of life irrespective of their circumstances.”

If adopted by the Isle of Wight Council, the SPD could become a material factor in planning decisions affecting Sandown.