In a contentious development proposal, the UV Care Group plans to transform Kent House, currently functioning as a care home in Broadstairs, into a 21-room house of multiple occupancy (HMO). This move has ignited significant local dissent, with residents expressing their concerns through 39 objection letters primarily focusing on anticipated traffic congestion and noise disruption in a neighborhood predominantly inhabited by elderly residents. Local resident Lawrence Coley voiced fears that the already problematic parking situation—especially during peak school hours—would be exacerbated by the influx of new residents. With three schools located nearby, the potential for heightened traffic and safety risks has become a focal point for community opposition. While the developers defend their project by asserting that it will be a ‘largely car-free scheme’, residents remain skeptical of the claims, particularly in light of previous planning attempts that sought to convert Kent House into eight flats, which were met with little resistance. The recent discussions among planning committee members have highlighted doubts concerning the developers’ traffic surveys, which concluded no foreseeable risks of congestion or accidents in a region grappling with existing traffic issues. According to Thanet District Council (TDC) policy, the establishment of HMOs is tightly regulated; specifically, they cannot be located within 100 meters of other HMOs. Therefore, planners suggest that, since there are no nearby HMOs, the new development would not compromise the neighborhood’s overall character.
Key Takeaways
- Residents of Broadstairs are strongly opposing the conversion of Kent House to a house of multiple occupancy due to traffic and noise concerns.
- Traffic surveys provided by developers are under scrutiny as locals fear increased congestion and safety risks in an area with three schools.
- The planning policy restricting HMOs proximity aims to preserve neighborhood character, yet community feedback raises doubts about its effectiveness.
Traffic Concerns and Community Opposition
In Broadstairs, the UV Care Group’s proposal to convert Kent House, a care home, into a 21-room house of multiple occupancy (HMO) has sparked notable community backlash. With 39 objection letters submitted, residents have expressed significant apprehension regarding traffic congestion and potential noise disturbances in a neighborhood primarily composed of elderly residents (Kent Online, 2024). Lawrence Coley, a local resident, highlighted existing parking challenges, particularly during school pickup times due to the proximity of three local schools. Residents worry that adding more inhabitants to Kent House would exacerbate these issues, leading to increased traffic and safety hazards in the area. While the developers maintain that their ‘largely car-free scheme’ would alleviate disturbances, these assurances have not fully assuaged local fears. Earlier this year, a planning application for converting Kent House into eight flats received no dissent; however, the current proposal has seen councillors questioning the validity of traffic surveys that suggest no risk to road safety (This is Kent, 2024). Under Thanet District Council (TDC) policy, HMOs are restricted from being established within 100 meters of existing HMOs, and planners have noted that due to the absence of nearby HMOs, the proposed development should not detract from the neighborhood’s character (Countryside Properties, 2024). Nevertheless, the ongoing concerns reflect a community deeply engaged with local developments and their implications.
Planning Committee Considerations and Potential Impacts
During the recent planning committee discussions, councillors scrutinized the traffic surveys submitted by the UV Care Group, raising doubts about their reliability. Some members expressed that the data did not adequately reflect the peak traffic periods, especially considering the nearby schools. This has led to calls for more comprehensive assessments to be conducted before any decisions are made (Kent News, 2024). Moreover, local residents assert that the introduction of an HMO in a predominantly elderly area might change the character of the neighborhood, potentially leading to further disputes in the community regarding future developments (Broadstairs Times, 2024). As the planning committee prepares to make a decision, the voices of residents continue to amplify concerns about the impact on local infrastructure and the existing community dynamics, urging councillors to consider not just current traffic patterns, but also the long-term implications of increased occupancy in the area.
