The proposal to convert Kent House nursing home in Broadstairs into a 21-bed House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) has ignited fierce debate among local residents and council members, set for deliberation during the upcoming council meeting next week. N & I Holdings Limited has submitted an application to change the use of the facility, currently serving up to 25 senior residents, into an HMO with minimal alterations to its structure. Although the plan aims to preserve the existing windows and entrances to reduce disturbances, community members are raising alarms over potential repercussions, including increased traffic and a shift in the local demographic profile. With 33 formal objections made, the Broadstairs Society is particularly concerned about the implications for the area’s character and public safety. The case is further complicated due to Kent House’s prior issues, having been placed in special measures after receiving an ‘inadequate’ rating from the Care Quality Commission in 2022, raising questions about future residential arrangements. As councillors prepare to discuss the proposal, they are advised to defer the decision pending additional developer contributions.
Key Takeaways
- The proposal to convert Kent House into a House of Multiple Occupation has faced significant community opposition.
- Residents are worried about the potential loss of a care home and its impact on local traffic and safety.
- Councillors are advised to defer the application pending further assessment and community feedback.
Local Community Concerns and Objections
The proposal to convert Kent House nursing home in Broadstairs into a 21-bed House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) has generated significant local concern, prompting a crucial discussion by councillors next week. N & I Holdings Limited submitted the application, aiming to repurpose the nursing home, which currently supports up to 25 residents, into an HMO requiring only minor structural changes. The plan intends to maintain existing windows and doors, thereby minimising disturbances related to noise and privacy for adjacent properties. However, the local community has expressed strong objections, with 33 letters detailing apprehensions regarding the loss of a much-needed care home in the area, increased vehicular traffic, and potential threats posed to local educational institutions by less desirable occupants (Whitstable Times, 2024). The Broadstairs Society voiced further opposition, arguing the proposal undermines the character of a neighbourhood primarily catering to older individuals and raises safety issues on an already busy road. The Thanet council’s licensing officer has affirmed that the HMO’s design includes adequate communal kitchen facilities for the envisaged residents, yet concerns linger, particularly regarding on-site parking and traffic implications highlighted by Councillor Mike Garner. Adding to the complexities, Kent House found itself in special measures following an ‘inadequate’ rating from the Care Quality Commission in 2022 when it was in operation for 21 residents. In light of these community concerns, councillors are recommended to defer the application, delegating the final decision based on securing necessary developer contributions.
Impact on Broadstairs Neighborhood Character
In light of these developments, the local council faces a challenging decision that weighs community needs against housing demands in Broadstairs. The proposed conversion of Kent House nursing home into an HMO reflects a broader trend of repurposing traditional care facilities to meet contemporary housing shortages. This situation underscores the ongoing debate over balancing the preservation of community character with the necessity for diverse housing options. Resident Naomi Bennett stated, ‘We need to consider whether transforming a care facility into a HMO serves the best interests of all residents or merely caters to market demands’ (BBC News, 2024). As councillors deliberate, they will also contemplate potential strategies to mitigate concerns, including traffic management solutions and increased on-site parking provisions to ensure safety and accessibility for all community members. The council’s decision will serve as a precedent for future applications, influencing how Broadstairs approaches similar conversions and reinforcing the importance of public input in local governance.
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