Plans to Transform Former Kent Premier Inn into a 46-Bed HMO
A plan exists to change a former Premier Inn into a house where many live. It will have 46 beds. Alder Design & Build leads the plan. They tell local residents that the project is not a bad landlord plan. They aim to build community space that helps local life.
Background of the Site
The site lies in Singlewell, Gravesend. Alder Design & Build bought the old hotel from Whitbread in November last year. Soon after, the flats were shown on a property website as "studio flats" at £790 per month without bills. This change made Gravesham Borough Council look into planning rules. The hotel had not yet been changed in its use.
Alder Design & Build talked with the council. The plan changed the use of the building from a hotel to a HMO. The plan went public on April 8. Jim Godwin, the planning agent, said the plan would work for the community and not just bring in money.
Developer’s Vision for the HMO
Jim Godwin spoke for Alder Design & Build. He said the plan would help the community and last on its own. "We believe that fixing up the property will help people," he said. The building will give fair rents that are affordable for many. Jim Godwin said the plan does not need extra money from outside.
The plan also puts in shared spaces like kitchens and living rooms. This is meant to build ties among the people who will live there. The rents are low and fair. The plan is not built for big profits but for a safe and good home for payers with lower incomes.
Alder Design & Build will check each future tenant carefully. They plan to stop problems and help keep the area safe.
Next Steps in the Planning Process
Some people in the area view the plan with hope. Still, Gravesham Borough Council must approve the plan. The council committee will meet soon. A decision should come by June 3. With housing issues in many parts of the UK, this plan can show how to fix old commercial space into a good home for people in need. The plan by Alder Design & Build stands apart from views that HMOs just harm communities. It shows a view that many living spaces can work well for local people.
Conclusion
Changing the old Premier Inn in Gravesend into a 46-bed HMO may help with local housing needs. The plan puts people in the first place. Alder Design & Build works with fair plans and aims to earn a good name in the land market. Local officials, builders, and residents talk about housing needs. This plan can serve as one way to build a good life for people.
For those with an interest in house investment, especially in homes where many live, plans like these help show new paths and ways to involve local life in housing. Keep track of similar plans for more ways to build long-lasting homes.
References
- Kent Live. (2025). "Plan to convert former Kent Premier Inn into 46-bed HMO ‘not a slum landlord project’ promises developer."
- Gravesham Borough Council Planning Applications. Gravesham Council
- Rightmove Listings for Rental Properties. Rightmove
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