Planning Committee - Tuesday, 4th June, 2024 4.00 pm

June 4, 2024 View on council website  Watch video of meeting or read trancript
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Summary

The meeting focused on the proposal to change the use of Bluebell House in Ventnor from a residential care home to a 22-bed House of Multiple Occupation (HMO). The proposal was approved with conditions after a detailed discussion.

Bluebell House Proposal

The main agenda item was the planning application for Bluebell House, located on Mitchell Avenue in Ventnor. The proposal was to convert the property from a residential care home to a 22-bed HMO. The application included minimal external changes, such as the addition of bin storage and cycle storage areas.

Arguments For and Against

  • For: Councillor Brodie supported the proposal, emphasizing the need for housing on the Isle of Wight. He stated, I want to support homes for people on the Isle of Wight... unless I see real objections to it. He proposed approving the application with conditions to ensure it is managed by a suitable organization.
  • Against: Councillor Churchman opposed the proposal, citing concerns about the location and the size of the project. He said, I think it's in the wrong place... it's too large a project in too small an area. Councillor Spink also expressed concerns about the suitability of the location and the potential issues with traffic and safety.

Decision

The proposal was approved with the following conditions:

  1. The HMO must be managed by a not-for-profit organization that provides support and accommodation for vulnerable people with complex needs, as outlined in paragraph 7.5 of the report.
  2. A review period of 18 months will be implemented to assess the management and impact of the HMO.
  3. The residents must have a local connection to Ventnor, adjoining parishes, or the Isle of Wight.

The motion was passed with a casting vote from the Chairman after a tied vote among the councillors.

Other Meeting Details

  • Apologies: Councillor Julie Jones-Evans was absent, and Councillor Martin Oliver was noted to be a few minutes late.
  • Previous Meeting Minutes: The minutes of the previous meeting were approved without any addendums or changes.
  • Declarations of Interest: There were no declarations of interest.
  • Public Question Time: No public questions were received.

The meeting concluded with a short comfort break, scheduled to resume at quarter to six.