The Isle of Wight Council has applied to convert a Ryde home into a mixed residential and house in multiple occupation use to provide temporary accommodation for homeless families.
Plans submitted for 26 Circular Road in Elmfield seek permission for a mixed C3 residential and sui generis HMO use.
The application states the property could accommodate up to 7 or 8 people and would retain flexibility to operate either as a standard dwelling or an HMO. Planning documents also refer to 2 families sharing communal areas.
However, the Isle of Wight Council says its intention is to divide the property into 2 separate units which would provide temporary accommodation for 2 small local families facing homelessness.
According to the submitted floor plans, the house would contain 3 bedrooms, 2 living rooms, a dining room, kitchen and utility room.
The application has been made by the Isle of Wight Council itself, with the authority confirming it purchased the property in March 2026.
An Isle of Wight Council spokesperson has said:
“The Isle of Wight Council currently owns 26 Circular Road and acquired the property in March 2026. The property is a two bedroom house with an extension, and its layout makes it suitable to be converted into two separate units, which would be used to house two small families.
Article continues below this advertisement “The properties will be used as temporary accommodation for local families who are homeless.”
Planning records show the property was previously owned by Medina Borough Council before being sold into private ownership in 1990.
