Fresh proposals have been lodged to convert a former doctor’s surgery in Newport into a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO).
Rufus Owolabi has put forward a revised planning application for a change of use of 16 West Street in Newport to a 13-bed HMO after the council refused his last site proposal, citing ‘poor living conditions’.
The latest plans include 13 bedrooms and two communal kitchen, living and dining rooms, with a shared garden at ground floor level.
Mr Owolabi’s agent, Paul Stack Planning, said: “The proposal represents an appropriate and sympathetic introduction of low-cost accommodation that will allow for the continued upkeep and maintenance of the building, thereby benefitting the urban environment and helping to maintain the vitality of the town centre.
“All the previous concerns of the Local Planning Authority (LPA) have been overcome and/or addressed within this resubmission.”
County Hall rejected a previous bid from the applicant for an eight-bed HMO and three flats.
Planners said the proposed change of use would result in poor living conditions, outlook and levels of privacy for future occupiers.
The Isle of Wight Council’s public consultation on the updated proposal 26/00600/FUL lasts until June 15 and a decision is due on July 1.



























































































Surely this proposal is worse than the previous ones? If you want my advice, convert it into accommodation for families.
Obviously wants this done so he can apply to Serco or Clearsprings for a massive multimillion pound lease to house illegals.
Fantastic idea, we don’t have any migrant families at the moment. Let’s give them a home
Exactly, the island needs to do their bit.
Yes do their bit by not having them over here. Why are you so stupid.
Illegals aka asylum seekers starmutt allows in by the thousands that we have to pay for then pay when they get arrested for drugs and costs involved after the 20th time they are released and again arrested in ryde
Just looking at the applicants name makes one wonder who will be housed in the conversion. We must be careful not to allow illegal immigrants who will probably be men from countries like Somalia, Afghanistan, Iraq, etc.. where their treatment of women is different to UK morals.
Might be nice folk, give them a chance, not everyone
are bad.
You put them up then!! Let’s see how long you can stand it. You are so leftie it is sad.
This application is not in keeping with the surrounding area and does not provide accommodation of a very high standard by cramming 13 people into this building.
It will contribute nothing to the vibrancy of the town apart from the potential for problems when thirteen individuals are forced to live in close proximity and share facilities.
The garden is unlikely to be a quiet place under this 13HMO model.
It should be converted to two or three family flats, which would contribute far more to the neighbourhood and give families somewhere to live.
It’s better left derelict invested by rats rather than a load of immigrants, here illegally preying on our loved women and children, hopefully the council make the right decision!
Well said. Totally agree.
Is Mr Owolabi an Islander with the best interests of the Island at heart?
I’m just waiting for a bunch of newly arrived immigrant men to be accommodated!!
Thank God we have a selection of Reform politicians now….