The hotel that could be transformed into a 'mega HMO' as neighbours fear it will be used to house asylum seekers

Neighbours fear redevelopment plans for a local hotel could see it converted into a 42-bed house in multiple occupation (HMO) housing asylum seekers.

Developers want to turn the three-star venue in Maidstone, Kent, into a complex of 'co-living' studio apartments accommodating up to 65 residents.

This form of accommodation gives each resident a private room or studio, while communal facilities are shared.

But with the hotel's former owner having previously been approached about accommodating asylum seekers at the site, locals fear it could ultimately be converted into an HMO for asylum seekers.

Residents living nearby say they are 'petrified' for the safety of their young children and fear the development could put further pressure on parking and local infrastructure, as well as lead to an increase in crime.

Kate Broom, 51, said she and her family would never have bought their home had they known about the proposals to convert the hotel.

While there are currently no confirmed plans to use the site as an HMO, she fears such a move could happen in the future.

Proposals sent to Maidstone council would see the hotel, which was recently rebranded The Apartell, transformed into co-living studio apartments for an estimated total of 65 people

She said: 'We are absolutely devastated. This was our dream home. We have no problem with migrants. 

'We have to house them somewhere. It is not who is going to be there, it is the volume. It is already stressful parking, the roads are really busy. 

'We haven't been able to get a place at a GP surgery yet. This street can't cope. We definitely wouldn't have bought this if we knew.

'We are both proudly from working class backgrounds and we have worked tirelessly to afford this house. It is cruel and unkind.'

The property, formerly known as The Grange Moor Hotel, underwent a refurbishment and was rebranded as The Apartell in January last year.

But it closed for good in the December because of 'major financial viability issues', according to planning documents.

Owner Mark Smith said he consistently received offers from organisations wanting to house asylum seekers at the hotel, but wished for it to become accommodation for people within the town 'who need it most'.

He added that he had tried to make the business work but was forced to shut in December following a decline in customers.

Jake King, 38, who lives with his partner and their two young children said: 'I have got two kids, so it is worrying. 

'We all hear the horror stories about the type of people you have coming in and what happens at other HMOs. We don't know what to expect.

'My ten-year-old son heard about it on the way to school and said he is worried about walking to school alone. He is petrified.

'They have to go somewhere I suppose, but does it have to be on my doorstep?'

The new plans include communal kitchens, workspaces, a gym, a community living area, a laundry room, communal gardens and private parking with EV charging

The new plans include communal kitchens, workspaces, a gym, a community living area, a laundry room, communal gardens and private parking with EV charging.

There have been over 300 objections in total and a decision will be made by the council at a later date. 

Many locals say the hotel was a beloved community hub for dinners, business meetings and for guests to stay.

Jackie Farrington, 84, a former foster carer who has lived on the street for 45 years said: 'I am worried about parking and crime. We don't know who is going to be in there.

'I think it will make the house value go down as well. Every house that goes up for sale they seem to make into an HMO around here. It was a lovely road but it has really changed.

'We have had a lovely time here and great memories and we don't want them spoiled.'

Yvonne Whitehead, 78, who has lived on the road for 35 years and used to run a nearby nursing home says she is worried for her granddaughter who she lives with.

She said: 'I am absolutely horrified and very frightened.

'We have all got children who go to school and have to walk up and down the road. Are we going to have to worry about them being assaulted?

'It used to be a lovely hotel. I used to go there for nice dinners. My children got married there.'

Residents near the town centre say they are having similar troubles, with four HMOs currently being built (HMO properties along Rawdon Road)

Yvonne claims it is a town-wide issue and says there are a significant number of HMOs in Maidstone.

She added: 'We know the infrastructure is not good enough for the people in Kent as it is.

'It won't be our country anymore. These are supposed to be for working people who need housing but that is never the case.'

Mr Smith previously told KentOnline: 'I purchased the hotel in 2023 after it had remained unsold for several years and was being considered for use as asylum accommodation.

'Throughout my ownership, I have been approached on several occasions by organisations seeking to use the building as asylum accommodation, proposals which I have consistently and firmly declined.'

Residents near the town centre say they are having similar troubles, with four HMOs currently being built.

Campbell Road resident of five years Stefan, 45, said: 'We struggled with our baby to get them into a nursery. We had to apply very far in advance.

'The main issue is overcrowding. It has changed a lot since we moved in. The crime rate on the street is high and the constant change of occupants is a cause for concern.'

On neighbouring Rawdon Road, resident Neaveen Katta, 43, who has lived there for five years said: 'There are so many HMOs. It is very difficult here. They are drinking and smoking weed out where our kids are.

'When we moved here there weren't any HMOs and now they are everywhere. I have complained to the council but they haven't done anything.

'Unfortunately, I need to stay a couple of years to finish my daughters' education but as soon as they are done we are going to move.'