Isle of Wight HMO plan in Newport town centre revised

Zen Transformations has submitted updated site proposals relating to its application for a change of use of Chantry House, an historic, Grade II listed building previously used as office space on Pyle Street in Newport.

The latest plans show six ground floor bedrooms with kitchen and living room areas, five bedrooms on the first floor and a further two on the second floor.

Zen Transformations’ proposal was earlier this year for a 15 person HMO. Concerns have been voiced over issues such as a lack of suitable living conditions, overdevelopment as well as noise and thermal insulation.

Cllr Julie Jones-Evans, an independent Newport Central representative, previously said: “The living area is very small for 14 or 15 residents, some of the rooms are very small, the kitchen is small for the amount of residents.

“I am concerned that this application is overdevelopment of this building, its listed status being a great inhibitor to create fit for purpose living conditions for the residents, who deserve a decent living environment.

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“This appears to maximise potential profit rather than think of the wellbeing of residents.”

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

It 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.”