Plans to redevelop a hotel in Maidstone, Kent, into a 42-bed House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) have raised significant concerns among local residents, who fear it could be used to house asylum seekers and exacerbate existing infrastructure issues.
The property, formerly known as The Grange Moor Hotel and recently rebranded as The Apartell, closed in December due to financial viability problems. Developers have submitted proposals to Maidstone council to convert the three-star venue into a complex of "co-living" studio apartments, designed to accommodate up to 65 residents. This type of accommodation typically provides private rooms with shared communal facilities.
Residents are expressing strong opposition to the plans, citing fears over potential increases in crime, parking congestion, and strain on local services such as GP surgeries. "We are absolutely devastated," said Kate Broom, 51, a homeowner who stated she and her family would not have purchased their home if they had known about the conversion proposals. She voiced concerns about the volume of residents, the existing parking difficulties, and the limited capacity of local infrastructure to cope.
While there are no confirmed plans to house asylum seekers at the site, residents' fears are fueled by the hotel's former owner having previously been approached about such arrangements. The owner, Mark Smith, has stated that while he received offers to use the building for asylum accommodation, he declined them and had hoped the venue could serve local residents in need.
Several long-term residents have voiced their anxieties. Jake King, 38, whose young children attend a local school, expressed worry about the safety implications. "We all hear the horror stories about the type of people you have coming in and what happens at other HMOs," he said. Another resident, Jackie Farrington, 84, who has lived on the street for 45 years, is concerned about potential declines in property values and the increasing number of HMOs in the area, noting that the street "has really changed."
Yvonne Whitehead, 78, who has lived in the area for 35 years, described herself as "horrified and very frightened," questioning whether children walking to school would be safe. She also mentioned that the infrastructure in Kent is already insufficient for the current population.
Similar issues have been reported by residents in other parts of Maidstone. On Rawdon Road, residents have noted a proliferation of HMOs, leading to concerns about anti-social behavior, including public drinking and drug use. Stefan, a Campbell Road resident, cited difficulties in accessing local services like nurseries due to overcrowding and a high crime rate on his street.
Over 300 objections have been lodged with Maidstone council regarding the hotel conversion. A decision on the proposals is pending.
Maiidstone council has been contacted for comment.