Ventnor 21-Bed HMO Proposal Withdrawn Following Mounting Criticism

Plans to convert a former Isle of Wight care home into a 21-bed house in multiple occupation (HMO) have been withdrawn following mounting criticism.

Joubert Properties’ application to convert the former Ward House Nursing Home on Ventnor’s Alpine Road has faced a raft of objections from the public and Ventnor Town Council.

NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight also said it would object unless a £6,320 developer contribution was made for ‘increasing primary care infrastructure’.

Grounds of objections brought forward by opponents include the need for family homes, a lack of local employment and ‘social support’ for the HMO’s residents, fire risks, inadequate parking provision and the potential for ‘poor waste management’.

Other concerns include noise, crime and anti-social behaviour, traffic congestion and highway safety, the condition of the building, safety, a lack of local infrastructure, an ‘excessive’ number of future tenants, the HMO having ‘little or no’ outside space and it being ‘out of character’ and harmful to the Ventnor Conservation Area.

A spokesperson for Ventnor Town Council said the application appeared to be ‘speculative’ and not a ‘suitable fit’ for the town.

“The proposal is over-development. Ventnor does need affordable housing for families, but it does not need this kind of accommodation,” the town council said.

A previously submitted statement from the developer’s agent, Andrew White Planning Consultancy, said:

“The proposal involves the conversion of the property into 21 bedrooms, taking advantage of the opportunity to optimise the use of this underutilised/redundant building, previously used as a large care home and constituting brownfield land.

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

“The proposal does not involve any fundamental changes to the external appearance of the building.

"Waste and cycle storage facilities can be provided within the site and be controlled by way of a planning condition.”