The proposed transformation of the Kent House nursing home into a 21-bed House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) has sparked a wave of community concerns as it approaches a critical discussion by local councillors next week. N & I Holdings Limited’s application suggests that only minimal structural alterations will be required for the transition; however, the potential implications of this change have raised significant unease among residents and stakeholders in the Broadstairs area. With an established care home accommodating up to 25 residents and providing essential services to older adults and individuals with dementia, the proposed shift could not only impact the immediate residents but also alter the character of the surrounding neighbourhood.
Key Takeaways
- The proposed conversion of Kent House nursing home into a House of Multiple Occupation has sparked significant community opposition due to concerns about losing local care services.
- Residents fear increased congestion and changes to neighborhood character, with specific objections related to potential safety and well-being issues for local schools.
- Councillors are being urged to defer the decision on the HMO proposal to ensure further assessment and secure necessary developer contributions.
Overview of the Proposed HMO Transformation
In a pivotal meeting scheduled for next week, Kent councillors will deliberate a proposal to transform the Kent House nursing home into a 21-bed House of Multiple Occupation (HMO). Currently operating as a care facility for older adults and individuals with dementia, the nursing home can accommodate up to 25 residents, supported by staff who generate regular traffic. The application, submitted by N & I Holdings Limited, outlines that only minimal alterations to the existing structure would be needed to facilitate this change (Broadstairs Society, 2024).
Opponents of the proposal include local residents and the Broadstairs Society, with 33 letters of objection received citing fears of losing a much-needed care home, increased congestion on local roads, undesirable occupant concerns, and safeguarding issues affecting local schools. The Broadstairs Society has particularly stressed that the change will disrupt the character of the neighborhood, which is predominantly residential and designed to support older adults (Kent Live, 2024).
Despite the objections, local council licensing officers have indicated that the shared kitchen facilities would meet the requirements for the proposed occupancy, capable of licensing up to 22 individuals. Councillor Mike Garner has raised concerns about potential highway congestion and overcrowding, prompting him to advocate for a committee discussion on the application. Moreover, the nursing home’s previous ‘inadequate’ rating by the Care Quality Commission has left uncertainty regarding future occupants of the HMO, which could bring about unforeseen challenges (Care Quality Commission, 2024).
In light of these discussions, councillors will be guided to defer their decision and delegate it to officers, while ensuring that developer contributions are secured, underlining the need for careful consideration of the community’s welfare and infrastructure limitations.
Community Reactions and Concerns
The reaction from the community has been notably mixed, with strong sentiments expressed both in favor of and against the proposed transformation of Kent House. Residents fear that converting a care home into a House of Multiple Occupation may strip the neighborhood of essential services tailored for the elderly, creating a vacuum in care options for vulnerable populations (Kent Online, 2024). They also voiced apprehensions about potential unintended consequences that accompany new HMO developments, such as noise pollution and transient occupancy disrupting the local community fabric. Additionally, the Broadstairs Society’s concerns about traffic and safety have escalated, particularly on busy thoroughfares leading to schools, suggesting that increased vehicle and pedestrian traffic could put children at risk (Local Democracy Reporting Service, 2024). With the increasing demand for affordable housing options, some advocates argue that converting existing structures like Kent House could be a pragmatic approach to addressing housing shortages, yet residents remain steadfast in their belief that the character of their community is at stake.
Feel free to contact us via WhatsApp, social media, or email.
Always find the best rooms to rent & HMOs for sale in the UK at HMO Reporter.
