Six Council Sites Identified For Potential Social Housing On Isle Of Wight

Six Isle of Wight Council-owned sites are set to be reviewed for potential social rent housing as part of efforts to tackle the Island’s housing crisis.

Councillors agreed to progress the list at a full council meeting on Monday (16 March), with locations identified in Lake, Nettlestone, Newport and Yarmouth.

The move follows the adoption of the council’s Land and Property Asset Disposal Policy in July 2025, which requires potentially surplus assets to be assessed for their suitability and viability for social housing.

The sites under consideration are:

• Berry Hill, Lake (former Island Learning Centre)

• Eddington Road, Nettlestone (grazing field)

• 17 Fairlee Road, Newport (former social services headquarters)

• Medina Avenue, Newport (former driving test centre)

• Pyle Street, Newport (site acquired from Homes England)

• Mill Lane, Yarmouth (part of the former Yarmouth School site)

A report presented to councillors said County Hall has a “clear ambition” to address the housing challenges faced by Island residents.

It also highlighted the use of funding secured through the Council Housebuilding Support Fund, which was awarded in November 2025 and must be spent by the end of March 2026.

The funding is being used to accelerate progress, with the aim of bringing sites forward to pre-application or full planning stages.

Before the decision was approved, there was a tense exchange in the chamber over procedure, involving council chair Ian Dore and Empowering Islanders councillor Peter Spink.