A total of 6 Isle of Wight Council-owned sites will be reviewed for the delivery of social rent housing to address the Island’s housing crisis.
County Hall representatives agreed to take forward a list of assets in Lake, Nettlestone, Newport and Yarmouth at a full council meeting earlier this week (Monday).
Councillors passed a Land and Property Asset Disposal Policy in July 2025 which requires all potentially surplus council assets to be assessed for their suitability and viability in delivering social rent housing, according to an officers’ report.
The List
- Berry Hill, Lake (former Island Learning Centre)
- Eddington Road, Nettlestone (grazing field)
- 17 Fairlee Road, Newport (former social services HQ)
- Medina Avenue, Newport (former driving test centre)
- Pyle Street, Newport (acquired from Home England)
- Mill Lane, Yarmouth (part of former Yarmouth School)
The report said County Hall has a ‘clear ambition’ in its current corporate plan to address the housing crisis for Island residents.
It said:
“Given the council’s successful bid for Council Housebuilding Support Fund grant and the very tight timescales for the use of these funds, (received mid November 2025 and to be spent by 31st March 2026), this funding has been utilised to assist with the progression at pace of the Land and Asset Disposal policy ambitions to bring them (sites) forward to pre-application or full planning application stage for suitability as social rent housing purposes.”
Prior to the final vote to bring forward the sites, there was confusion and disagreement over process and a fiery exchange between Isle of Wight Council chair Ian Dore and Empowering Islanders councillor Peter Spink.
Ideal for NHS and Carers, they should be given
first refusal.
They deserve to pay cheaper rents for accommodation.
Where would the island be without these people
such an ageing population on the island.