Conversion of Hotel to Shared Housing in East Sussex Approved
A new change in housing shows a plan to use a rural hotel in East Sussex as shared housing. A planning inspector granted permission to use part of the Crockstead Farm Hotel near Halland as a Home in Multiple Occupation (HMO). This plan was first turned down by the local council, which felt the idea did not suit the area.
Background of the Property
The Crockstead Farm Hotel once welcomed many guests. It closed in March 2020 because of the pandemic. With the hotel no longer in use and a need for housing on the rise, the idea to change it into shared housing became clear. The approved plan changes 12 hotel rooms into HMO spaces. Each room is set up as an ensuite and shares a nearby utility room and kitchen.
Local Council’s Initial Concerns
Before the appeal, Wealden District Council rejected the plan in April of the previous year. The council worried about the hotel’s remote setting. They said the site did not support easy access to services and public transport. This aspect could make living there hard, especially for residents with lower incomes. A council planning spokesperson explained that the site’s features did not support its use for housing and that these issues outweighed the plan’s benefits.
The Appeal Process
The developers appealed the decision. The planning inspector looked at the case with a fresh view. The inspector noted that people in rural areas rely on cars. They also pointed out that housing 12 people would not change local traffic much compared to a working hotel. The inspector believed that adding more homes in the area would bring more benefits than problems. This view fits with the goals of long-term, sustainable development in the region.
Implications for Investments in HMO Properties
For those who may invest in HMO properties, this decision shows a shifting scene in rural housing. Converting a closed hotel into shared living spaces marks a clear trend. Investors might see a chance to update old properties to meet new housing needs while helping local communities. As housing shortages continue in different regions, such changes could lead to more projects and returns in the property market.
Conclusion
The approval to change the Crockstead Farm Hotel into shared housing adds new homes in East Sussex. The planning inspector’s choice shows that even a remote site can work when there is a strong need for housing. This step may open the door to more projects in the future. Investors with an interest in HMOs might find this trend a useful path to more opportunities and community growth.
