Proposals to convert a former Newport GP surgery into an 8-bed HMO and 3 flats have been refused by Isle of Wight planners.
Plans to transform 16 West Street into ‘low-cost’ accommodation have been turned down amid concerns over the quality of living conditions for future residents.
Applicant Rufus Owolabi had sought permission to convert the former doctor’s surgery into an eight-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) alongside 3 self-contained flats.
However, planners concluded the scheme would result in poor standards of amenity, outlook and privacy.
A report on application 26/00121/FUL highlighted 2 key reasons for refusal – the inadequate living environment proposed and potential impacts on the Solent Special Protection Area (SPA).
It states:
“Whilst there would be benefits in reusing the building for housing, those benefits are significantly reduced due to poor layout and arrangement of the accommodation and the poor standard of amenity and living conditions this would provide for future residents.
“In addition, without mitigation having been secured, the proposal would also result in unmitigated adverse impacts on the Solent SPA in terms of increased recreational pressure.”
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The application followed an earlier scheme which was withdrawn in September 2025 after drawing objections from Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council and Island Roads.
Planning consultant Paul Stack, acting on behalf of the applicant, had argued the development would support the town centre and address local housing demand.
He said:
“There is an identified need for the proposed low-cost rented accommodation and on this basis occupancy rates should be relatively secure, thereby ensuring the future maintenance of this building, helping to maintain the vitality of the 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 on the Island.”
We need more housing and we have plenty of vacant buildings but we don’t need more “race to the bottom” HMOs. This is a great building and has a plaque noting its conservation award from its previous, and sensitive, renovation. It is tired now, but retains some great features, and would make 4/5 decent proper 1 & 2 bed-flats. Well done IWC planning for resisting the lazy “low cost/ vital contribution” trope.