In Broadstairs, Kent, a proposed transformation of Kent House into a 21-room House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) by UV Care Group has sparked significant local opposition. The proposal has led to 39 objection letters from concerned residents who are primarily worried about increases in traffic and noise in a neighborhood that predominantly accommodates elderly citizens. Initially, the intention was to convert the property into eight flats, but a revised application submitted in March aimed at creating an HMO has prompted deeper scrutiny within the community.
Local resident Lawrence Coley was among those voicing their concerns, particularly regarding existing traffic issues during school pick-up times near Charles Dickens, Dane Court, and Bromstone Primary schools. Coley fears that the introduction of an HMO would exacerbate these challenges, further increasing traffic congestion and creating potential safety hazards, particularly for emergency vehicles and refuse trucks trying to navigate the area.
During discussions, councillors weighed the developers’ traffic impact assessments cautiously, expressing doubts about their accuracy and potential implications for the community. Even though planning officers were inclined to recommend approval based on the absence of nearby HMOs in violation of local policy, council members raised serious apprehensions about how this HMO could alter the residential landscape of Fairfield Road. Green Party Councillor Mike Garner specifically noted that the area is already experiencing heavy congestion during peak times, suggesting that this proposed development could significantly contribute to the problem. This situation underscores an ongoing tension between the pursuit of urban development and the community’s concerns regarding safety and livability.
Key Takeaways
- Local residents have voiced significant concerns about increased traffic and safety issues related to the proposed HMO plans.
- Councillors are skeptical of the developer’s traffic impact assessments and fear negative consequences for the community.
- The debate underscores a conflict between development interests and the need to maintain neighborhood safety and livability.
Community Concerns Over Traffic Safety
Plans to convert Kent House in Broadstairs into a 21-room house of multiple occupancy (HMO) by UV Care Group have sparked significant opposition from local residents, particularly concerning traffic safety and noise. The proposal has generated 39 objection letters, particularly from residents in the predominantly elderly neighborhood who fear increased traffic congestion and disturbances. Originally intended for conversion into eight flats, the new planning application seeks to create a high-density living environment, raising alarms among locals. Resident Lawrence Coley noted that the area is already experiencing issues with illegal parking during peak school hours at nearby institutions like Charles Dickens, Dane Court, and Bromstone Primary. He expressed concerns that this HMO development could exacerbate existing problems, creating dangerous situations for emergency vehicles and refuse trucks trying to navigate through the area. During discussions, council members expressed doubt about the developer’s traffic impact assessments and the implications for the community’s livability. Although planning officers have recommended approval, citing compliance with local policies due to the absence of other HMOs nearby, many councillors are apprehensive about the potential disruption to the established residential character of Fairfield Road. Mike Garner from the Green Party highlighted that peak traffic times have already become problematic and stressed the need to prioritize community safety over development proposals.
Councillors’ Reactions and Planning Assessments
In light of the considerable local dissent, the Broadstairs council is set to conduct further reviews of the proposed HMO conversion, particularly focusing on transportation and safety analyses. Councillor Patricia Smith emphasized the necessity for rigorous scrutiny of any future development plans, suggesting that community input must remain a priority in local governance. The council intends to organize a public meeting to address these concerns directly with residents, offering an opportunity for dialogue regarding traffic management solutions and evaluating the broader implications of high-density housing in the area. Local stakeholders, including community action groups, are also mobilizing to ensure their voices are heard in this critical conversation about sustainable development and maintaining the quality of life in Elderly-friendly neighborhoods, indicating a growing trend in citizen involvement in urban planning discussions.
