Isle of Wight town centre HMO plan to be decided on

Zen Transformations applied for a change of use of Chantry House, a Grade II listed building formerly used as office space on Pyle Street in Newport.

Two residents have objected to the proposal, expressing disquiet over its scale and intensity, increased traffic, noise and harm to the area’s character.

V&L Architects, the applicant’s agent, have said the conversion will not cause any harm to neighbouring or nearby property.

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A submitted Design, Access and Heritage Statement said: “The change of use is a simple alteration that will be coupled with an internal renovation of the property controlled through building regulations.

“The internal renovations will create the rooms and functions expected of a HMO, including shared kitchen and living spaces, bathrooms and bedrooms. No street scene external changes to the building appearance will result from the renovations or change of use.”

Michael Torreggiani, who lives on Pyle Street, said: “There is already an HMO at approximately 200 metres away from the premises in question.

“To add another 15 ‘households’ to the area will increase traffic in an already busy road and put further pressure on parking.

“The proposed HMO would be the possible source for increase in noise and disturbance, which will disrupt the tranquillity of what is a relative residential area.

“Another HMO in Pyle Street will alter the dynamics of the community, shifting it from a predominately family orientated environment to a more transient one. This shift will affect community cohesion and a sense of belonging among long-term residents.”