Former Premier Inn ‘won’t be slum landlord project’ vows developers as HMO plans revealed

Plans have been submitted to extend and transform a disused Premier Inn into a 46-bedroom house of multiple occupation (HMO). Developers risked a potential planning row previously after advertising studio flats for rent on RightMove at the former hotel in Singlewell, Gravesend without the correct permissions. In February, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) revealed how Gravesham council was looking into a possible breach of planning rules at the site, alongside the side of the A2, in Hever Court Road.

Alder Design & Build, the company behind the proposals, bought the premises from Premier Inn owners Whitbread in November last year Under planning law, the site remained a hotel but its rooms were being advertised on Rightmove as “studio flats”, for £790 a month, not including bills. At the time, the firm said they had received “erroneous advice” and posted the listing slightly prematurely, citing a planning precedent that a building could be rented out in that way and still have the use class of a “hotel”. However, late last year after discussing with the council they officially submitted plans for renovations and an official change of use ,from a hotel to a HMO for up to 46 homes, which became public on April 8.



They insist the housing scheme is “not a slum landlord project” and will “serve the community”. Planning agent for the firm Jim Godwin explained they have been working with Gravesham council who have been “very cooperative and helpful”. “We believe that the repurposing of the property will serve the community,” he told the LDRS.

“Obviously it’s a modestly profitable operation once it’s up and running but the main driver behind it is to give something back to the community.” He explained how at present, following negotiations with the council, about six of the rooms are occupied by tenants and two of the “studios” are currently being advertised on Rightmove for £700 a month, bills not included. As well as the extension, they are seeking permission to redesign the interior to create more communal spaces such as kitchens and living rooms.

“From a sustainability point of view, the 16 rooms are needed to pay for the staff that run it,” Mr Godwin added. “The rentals are very low and very fair and it’s not designed as a massive profit making entity but it is designed to be self sustained so it doesn’t need outside investment into its finances “Hopefully in the fullness of time it'll be a model that we can replicate elsewhere in other areas.” To see more planning applications and other public notices for your area, click here .

He also stressed they vet potential residents so that neighbours “won’t be bothered by criminality or that kind of thing”. “We’re trying to do some good in the world, it’s not a slum landlord project its the diametric opposite to that. “We’re trying to provide a good standard of accommodation for people who are on lower means.

” It is not yet known when the planning committee will decide on the application, but a deadline of June 3 has been set..