THE NEIGHBOUR to a former care home says she is "gutted" and "fears for her safety" after Isle of Wight Council's planning committee approved — by a casting vote — a controversial plan to transform the building into a facility for ex-offenders and recovering alcohol and drug addicts.

Isle of Wight Council planning committee members considered the future of the former Bluebell House care home, Ventnor, at County Hall this evening (Tuesday).

Terraform Development's revised scheme for a house of multiple occupancy (HMO), in partnership with potential service provider charity, the Silkworth Project, is for a 22-bed facility for those who have received treatment and who are addressing issues ranging from substance misuse and homelessness, to offending behaviour.

They said the HMO would be staffed between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday, and fitted with a 24/7 alarm.

Some councillors urged the facility be staffed every day to minimise risk. 

A stipulation for consideration as a resident is the need to be alcohol and drug free for at least 30 days, with ex-offenders and the homeless considered, the plans state. 

Around 50 objections had been lodged with planning.

Among them was Jackie Tiller, of Mitchell Avenue, Ventnor. She has lived next door to Bluebells for 23 years.

She told the meeting: "I think 22 people with complex alcohol or substance abuse issues could have lower inhibitions and impaired judgement, which usually leads to violent and aggressive behaviour.

"I will be afraid to live in my home."

Councillors split the vote, four each, with chairman, Cllr Warren Drew, casting the deciding vote in favour of the plans. 

They voted on a revised motion for an HMO, subject to an approved management organisation, such as the Silkworth Project, running it and that the residents are from Ventnor parish.

"I don't think Ventnor has the infrastructure to cope with a potential influx of 22 problematic individuals," Mrs Tiller added.

"Bluebells could be put to far better use, such as a residential home for the elderly or flats for families."

Cllr Peter Spink, who voted against the plans, questioned whether an HMO meets the needs of the community, while Cllr Matt Price said an HMO "comes with potentially a lot of baggage". 

After the vote, Mrs Tiller said: "I'm gutted". 

The HMO plan will be reviewed after 18 months of opening.