Plans to replace a former social services building with 10 new affordable homes will come before the Isle of Wight Council's planning committee this evening (25th November).
Councillors are due to consider an outline proposal from County Hall to demolish a redundant Social Services Headquarters at 17 Fairlee Road in Newport, and replace it with 'small and affordable' 2-bedroom apartments within a single structure.
Planners have recommended the application be conditionally approved subject to legal agreement for 100% on-site affordable housing and a Solent Special Protection Area Habitat Mitigation contribution.
In a report written prior to this evening's meeting, they said:
"It is concluded that the minor negative impact of loss of the existing building would be outweighed by the substantial social benefits of (affordable) housing delivery as well as the moderate economic and environmental benefits."
Economic benefits they identified include the homes likely being more energy efficient than older housing and buildings, helping reduce energy costs, and the proposal's support for the construction industry.
Those relating to the environment include opportunities for enhancing site landscaping and biodiversity.
The existing building at the site is at risk of becoming derelict and has 'ongoing issues' with dry rot, a statement submitted by the council said.
"This site is part of the approximately 60 hectares of Island brownfield land suitable for redevelopment. As this site is council owned, funding from the Brownfield Land Release Fund will be utilised to allow the council to clear this site.
"As brownfield land can be expensive to prepare for house building, resulting in sites sat empty and potentially eyesores for local communities, this funding is designed to assist in the clearing empty buildings, former car parks and industrial land to make way for new homes.
"The proposal does not seek to overpopulate the site, but instead provide necessary housing within an environment that will benefit the residents, allowing appropriate parking spaces, bike storage and communal amenity space."