Proposal for New 10-Bedroom HMO at Former Staffline Office in Maidstone
Qualis Properties, a firm from East Malling, has proposed a change at the old Staffline office at 10 Tonbridge Road. They plan to turn the building into a 10-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) with one flat in the basement. This idea comes at a time when the local council reviews rules for HMOs.
Proposed Changes
Qualis Properties wants to change the Victorian semi-detached house. The building now holds one flat on the upper floors. They plan to add a one-storey rear extension and a first-floor rear extension. The plan gives:
- Ground Floor: Five bedrooms and a kitchen/diner
- First Floor: Three bedrooms and a kitchen
- Second Floor: Two bedrooms and a kitchen
- Basement: One-bedroom flat
Each bedroom will be larger than the legal minimum. Each will have its own en-suite and a small area for tea. Cleaning crews will clean the shared spaces every week.
The plan brings a worry for parking and outdoor space. No new parking is planned. The firm points out the property’s close range to Maidstone town centre. Currently, the site has four parking spots. This number may not work for the new number of residents. Outdoor space is also missing, and this gap has raised questions for community living.
Nearby HMOs and Community Impact
The proposed HMO sits near other HMOs such as:
- A 10-bed HMO at 3 Terrace Road
- A 7-bed HMO at 9 Terrace Road
- A 9-bed HMO at 7 Reginald Road
- A 12-bed HMO at 1 Reginald Road
- A 7-bed HMO at 3A London Road (approved but not built)
These properties lie within 200 metres of the site. They show that many HMOs are active in the area. Local authorities watch the load on community services and the feel of the neighbourhood.
Regulatory Framework
Maidstone Borough Council is now writing a new Supplementary Planning Document. The paper aims to control HMOs more clearly here. Public comments are open until April 27, 2025. The new plan calls for one parking spot per bedroom and enough outdoor space for residents. These ideas may help fix problems that come with a crowd of HMOs.
Other HMO Developments
At the same time, RND Estates proposes a change at 466 Loose Road. Their plan changes a storage room into an extra bedroom, making a 13-bed HMO into one with 14 beds. This change raises questions about waste management and parking. The property has ten parking spots and plans for more spots for bicycles.
Conclusion
Changing the former Staffline office into a 10-bedroom HMO marks an important step in meeting the demand for rental homes in Maidstone. The change comes at a time when rules for HMOs face more review. Investors and residents should watch the outcome of Maidstone Borough Council’s decision to guide future projects in the area.
For more details, visit the official Maidstone council website here for planning application numbers 25/501315 and 25/501293. ### References
- Maidstone Borough Council Official Website
- KentOnline HMO Developments in Maidstone
- UK Government Planning Policies on HMOs GOV.uk
Maidstone’s housing scene changes fast. Both investors and tenants should stay alert and take part in local property decisions.
