Plans to transform a disused student accommodation block into one of Kent’s biggest houses in multiple occupation have been submitted.
Northwood Court in Broadstairs, a former Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) building, could be repurposed as an 84-bed HMO.
However, it comes amid existing Kent County Council (KCC) plans to convert it into a residential centre for unaccompanied asylum-seeking teenagers.
Put forward by Jamie Copland, the proposals would see the three-storey building split up into 17 sections, with all bedrooms boasting an ensuite and a kitchen shared between four to five occupants.
But the plans are already facing opposition.
Gemma Bedford has submitted an objection to Thanet District Council (TDC), saying: “I strongly object to this planning [application] for HMO property.
“There are already a lot of HMO properties in this area and a new one is being built on Fairfield Road.
“I object due to safeguarding of local school children and residents of the area. The area is already high in crime and this will increase with this proposal.”
Brian Stageman also let his displeasure be known, telling planning officers: “This current application whilst the current asylum seeker application has still to be decided is just an attempt to achieve the same outcome by different means.”
In papers submitted to TDC, Mr Copland says: “The proposal offers much-needed housing accommodation in an area that has seen a significant increase in demand for HMOs.
“The site is also very well positioned with good transport links and within walking distance of shops and areas of employment.”
If approved, it would likely be Kent’s biggest HMO and one of the largest in the UK.
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Houses in multiple occupation have grown in popularity in recent years, as landlords look to provide alternative forms of living for those being priced out of traditional renting.
Northwood Court closed down in 2018 and was purchased by Nelson College London in May 2022.
By November of that year, Nelson College agreed to let the premises to Clearsprings Ready Homes, a firm providing accommodation for asylum seekers under contract to the Home Office.
While some occupants were moved into the premises, it was quickly shut down and occupants removed when it was discovered certain conditions of the lease had not been met.
Planning permission in October 2023 to turn the site into accommodation for Thanet Earth workers was approved, although the developer suggests this had never been implemented.
Within months, it was announced KCC wanted boys aged 16-17 who had newly arrived in the UK from Dover accommodated there for an eight-week period.
Under these proposals, the facility would be run by Ready Homes, which already operates children’s homes on behalf of the county council.
KCC has been contacted for comment in an attempt to clarify the future of the site as a potential home for asylum seekers.
