Plans to Change Old Premier Inn into 46-Bed HMO in Kent

Introduction

We plan to change an old hotel. The former Premier Inn on Singlewell Road in Gravesend, Kent will become a house of multiple occupation with 46 bedrooms. Alder Design & Build run the project. They stress that this is not a run-down building plan. They want to give good homes to people in need.

Background and Context

The building was bought from Whitbread in November 2024. Some hotel rooms were shown as "studio flats" on Rightmove without needed permissions. Gravesham Borough Council saw this and began a review. By February 2025, the council checked the listings. The flats were advertised with monthly rents starting at £790, not including bills. The plan then took shape. The developers met with the council. A formal planning application was sent to shift the use from a hotel to homes for many.

Developer’s Vision

Jim Godwin is the planning agent for Alder Design & Build. He said his group aims to serve the community. They plan the change not for profit but to provide good homes. He said, "We believe the change will serve the community." His words show a commitment to safe and affordable housing as demand grows.

The team does not want only bedrooms. They also plan common areas like kitchens and living rooms. These spaces will help residents meet and share their lives. Six rooms are already let. Two extra studio spaces are open for rent.

Sustainable Living and Community Involvement

The group also shows a plan for self-support. Jim Godwin said, "The rents are kept low and fair and the plan is not built to make large profits." The price will help the units stay on their own while allowing residents to pay fair rents. This will help ease local housing pressures.

He stressed the need to choose residents well. The aim is to keep a calm space for neighbors. He said the plan gives good homes to people who may have money troubles, pushing aside old views of shared housing.

Community Impact and Local Sentiment

The change has brought many views from locals. Some neighbors worry about the scale of a large HMO. Others see a chance to use a building that stands empty. The planning committee of the council has not set a review date yet. They plan to read all local views before the final vote.

Conclusion

The change of the old Kent Premier Inn into a 46-bed HMO shows a shift to use empty commercial spaces for urgent housing needs. By putting community close and sustainable practices first, Alder Design & Build aims to give homes that help those with lower incomes. This proposal at once meets local needs and answers worries around shared housing.

The planning team will review the proposal by the June 3 deadline. Both the developers and locals now wait for the decision that might change Gravesend housing soon.

Sources

• Alder Design & Build Website
• Gravesham Borough Council Planning Portal
• Rightmove Property Listings
• Kent Live Article by Daniel Esson, Read here