In November 2024, the proposal by UV Care Group to transform Kent House in Broadstairs into a 21-room house of multiple occupancy (HMO) has sparked considerable local opposition, driven mainly by residents’ concerns about traffic congestion and safety. The developers have drawn fire from the community, with 39 formal objections submitted, highlighting fears that the conversion will worsen already limited parking conditions and exacerbate traffic issues, especially during peak hours such as school pick-up times. The current provision of just seven parking bays has been identified as inadequate. Critically, residents have raised alarms over illegal parking practices in the area, complicating access for emergency vehicles and contributing to hazardous conditions. Although the UV Care Group has positioned the scheme as largely car-free, residents are unconvinced, expressing worries not only about heightened noise levels but also potential accidents in a densely populated area. The planning committee recently convened to discuss the proposal, and while planning officers recommended approval, they faced significant skepticism from councillors regarding the traffic studies conducted by the developers and their implications for local congestion and safety. The deliberations leave the future of the conversion project uncertain as local voices continue to echo their apprehensions.
Key Takeaways
- The proposed conversion of Kent House into an HMO has sparked significant opposition from local residents due to traffic and safety concerns.
- Critics highlight that the limited parking availability and current illegal parking issues could exacerbate existing traffic hazards, particularly during peak times.
- Despite assurances from the developer, local councillors remain skeptical about the impact of the HMO on traffic congestion and safety in the area.
Growing Local Opposition to HMO Plans
The proposal by the UV Care Group to transform Kent House in Broadstairs into a 21-room house of multiple occupancy (HMO) has ignited considerable opposition among local residents, with 39 objection letters submitted to the planning committee. Residents are primarily concerned about intensified traffic problems, especially during school drop-off and pick-up times, due to the property’s limited parking capacity, which accommodates only seven vehicles. Many local individuals have pointed out that the area already struggles with illegal parking issues, leading to significant congestion that can hinder emergency vehicle access (Kent Online, 2024).
While the developer has reassured the community of a ‘largely car-free scheme’ and argued that there are no other HMOs within the stipulated 100-meter radius, local residents remain apprehensive about potential noise disturbances and the risk of accidents. During a recent planning meeting, although council officers suggested approval, councillors voiced doubts concerning the validity of the developer’s traffic surveys and their conclusions about local congestion and accident rates. This skepticism has introduced an element of uncertainty regarding the future of the conversion plans for the care home, with the possibility of a further review or even rejection looming over the proposal (The Isle of Thanet News, 2024).
As this situation unfolds, residents are left grappling with the implications of the HMO in their neighbourhood, underscoring the growing local opposition to such developments.
Traffic and Safety Concerns Raised by Residents
The apprehension among residents is further amplified by the potential impact on local infrastructure and services due to the increased population density that the proposed HMO would bring. Concerns have been raised regarding the strain on local amenities, including schools and public transport, as the introduction of additional families could lead to overcrowding. Local community leaders have emphasized the need for a thorough assessment of how such developments align with the town’s long-term planning goals, particularly in light of upcoming developments planned for other parts of Broadstairs (Kent Live, 2024). Furthermore, critics have urged the council to consider how this project fits within ongoing discussions about sustainable housing and local governance, which seek to balance the need for increased housing with considerations for community wellbeing and infrastructure capacity.
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