Another house in multiple occupation (HMO) could be coming to a town centre, with plans lodged to transform an abandoned eyesore.
Developers want to convert a large former office space in Cheriton Place, Folkestone, into a nine-bedroom residential property.
It comes just weeks after proposals were revealed for another HMO around the corner in Sandgate Road, where developers want to turn the space above Johnsons dry cleaners into shared accommodation for up to 10 people.
That application had “understandably raised interest and concern in the community”, according to Labour councillor Liz McShane, who represents Folkestone Central.
But she has welcomed the plans to bring the long-vacant Cheriton Place property back into use.
“Its renovation into affordable living accommodation is a positive move, especially given the urgent need for such housing in Folkestone and the surrounding area,” she said.
The planning documents say the Grade II-listed building was once part of a “historic parade from the mid-19th century”.
But it has been empty since at least May 2014.
Blue Lava Architecture, submitting the plans on behalf of applicant Louis Dunn, says the extent of the works is largely limited to cosmetic upgrades, such as minor internal partitioning.
Whilst the proposals are technically for a change of use / conversion from office space to a HMO, the firm stresses it has been empty for so long that no office space would actually be lost under the plans.
A structural survey carried out recently by Anderson Consulting Engineers “confirms the issues of render failure, water ingress, rot in structural timbers, and window decay”, the architects write.
They add: “Restoring this building will safeguard its historic significance and contribute to the ongoing revitalisation of Folkestone.”
Under the plans, each room would have its own en-suite bathroom and “generous floor areas”.
“Converting this building will provide much-needed, affordable living space,” the developers argue.
Cllr McShane, who represents Folkestone Central on FHDC, told KentOnline it is vital the property is “properly managed to ensure it remains well-maintained and fully compliant with current HMO regulations”.
She added: “HMOs do have an important role to play in addressing today’s housing challenges – particularly in light of the homelessness crisis we are facing.
“When well-regulated, they can provide much-needed, safe, and affordable homes for people in need.”
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Mark Hourahane, vice-chair of the New Folkestone Society’s planning committee, says the organisation does not yet have an official position on the application.
“In general, we do not support HMOs as they generally offer a lower standard of living,” he said.
”In this instance, it is an attractive Grade II listed mid-Victorian building in a Georgian townhouse style.
“The building is in a poor state of repair, and the applicant has aspirations to restore it sympathetically – including the retention of timber-framed windows.
“It is important that heritage buildings that fall into disuse are given a new lease of life that retains the viability of its long-term maintenance.”
He added: “The proposal also mentions that the space offered to each room is around double the minimum requirement.”
It comes as the profile of town centres is changing.
Former Ashford Borough Council cabinet member Graham Galpin previously sat on the High Streets Task Force – a group commissioned by the previous government to help advise high street chiefs on how best to build for the future.
He told KentOnline last month: “When a building becomes redundant or not cost-effective to fill – and that could be a shop or an office – you’ve got to make your best efforts to fill it.
“I think that’s a moral responsibility.”
While acknowledging that HMOs can be contentious, Mr Galpin added: “We have been encouraging people to have living above shops for a long time, so that we utilise those upper floors, which are very often just empty.”
It is not yet known when FHDC’s planning committee will decide on the Cheriton Place application, but the deadline for public comments on the bid is September 25.
