New 10-Bed HMO Development Proposed for Week Street, Maidstone
Introduction
Maidstone sees a change in its housing scene. TA Property Investments Ltd has put forward plans for a four-storey HMO on a landlocked site behind Merkur Slots on Week Street. The developer, Ajay Kundra, leads the plan. The building must cope with a lack of direct vehicle access. Local residents and council members share concerns about this issue.
Project Overview
The HMO will house ten residents across four floors. The site lies behind No. 74 Week Street. Nearby buildings crowd the site. Cars cannot reach the area. The development plan does not include the building of Merkur Slots.
Some drawings show a building with two sides, ten units, and shared common areas. Other drawings present a three-storey plan with a stepped design. This difference has sparked talks about how the building will work and look.
Access Challenges
Construction depends on a hard-to-reach path. All building materials must go through a narrow, less-than-5-feet-wide alley. This alley connects to Union Street near American Star Nails Bar. The tight space makes moving heavy items a tough task.
The plan calls for on-street deliveries. Trained banksmen help guide large vehicles like concrete mixers into the narrow gap.
Historical and Environmental Context
The site sits near the Holy Trinity Conservation Area. No. 74 Week Street, known as Lombard House, dates back to 1888. This attractive building is not listed. Its status gives the project more freedom with building rules. The area already hosts many HMOs. The borough council closely reviews new HMO plans. Public meetings help shape rules for shared housing.
Potential Policy Contradictions
The new plan may clash with local rules that aim to control the number of HMOs. Policy discussions point out that the building lacks parking space. In the High Street Ward, there are many HMOs already. This raises questions about how the plan fits with local rules.
Existing HMO Cases in Maidstone
Other HMO cases add to the ongoing talk. In Penenden Heath Ward, a long-running HMO owner has asked for a Lawful Development Certificate. His property at 235 Boxley Road has worked as a 10-bedroom HMO since 1983. Cabrell Bartels-Ellis runs the HMO despite the rule that any HMO with seven or more beds needs planning permission. A legal path exists that can recognize long-used homes if certain rules are met.
Conclusion
The 10-bed HMO plan near Merkur Slots stands at the meeting point of community needs and planning rules. As Maidstone works to supply more housing, this plan brings both chance and risk for investors and people seeking shared housing. New rules may change the future of shared housing in the area. The Public Notice Portal lets residents stay informed and join in planning talks.
For more details on the public consultation and to view the full plans, visit the Maidstone Council website under application number 25/501097. References
- Maidstone Borough Council. (2025). Public Notice Portal. Maidstone Council
- Local Planning Regulation Document. (2025). Supplementary Planning Document.
- KentOnline. (2025). News from Kent. KentOnline
