Transformation Plans for Former Kent Premier Inn into 46-Bed HMO

Introduction

A plan is on the table to turn a vacant Premier Inn in Singlewell, Gravesend, Kent into an HMO with 46 bedrooms. The developers stress that this is not a poor-quality housing project or an attempt to take advantage of hard times. This article lays out the idea, the developer’s aim, and what it means for the local area.

Background of the Proposal

In November 2024, Alder Design & Build bought the old Premier Inn from Whitbread. The building still carried a hotel label. Some rooms were wrongly shown as "studio flats" at £790 per month on sites like Rightmove. Gravesham Council looked into these issues as they might break planning rules. The developer said they acted on wrong advice and thought there was a past similar case.

Alder Design & Build now plans to change the building’s use from a hotel to a residential HMO. The official plans were shared with the public on April 8, 2025. ## Developer’s Vision and Community Commitment

The company’s planning agent, Jim Godwin, says the HMO will be built to high standards. He said, "We want to do good work. This is not a slum landlord project; it is the opposite." The aim is to meet local housing needs by giving residents a decent place to live.

The design calls for shared spaces like kitchens and living rooms. Jim Godwin adds, "Changing the property will serve the community." There are currently six rooms with tenants and two "studios" offered at fair rental rates.

The plan also looks after financial matters. Jim Godwin notes that the project must pay its bills without relying on outside funds. It is not built to earn huge profits.

Ensuring Quality and Safety in Accommodation

A key part of the plan is to check each new resident carefully. Jim Godwin explained that the review will help keep unwanted actions away from neighbours. This careful check will help build a safe space for all who choose to live there.

Next Steps in the Planning Process

The planning panel at Gravesham Borough Council has not set a day for a decision. They will review the application by June 3, 2025. Local residents and community groups are watching the process closely due to the local need for more housing.

Conclusion

The plan to change the old Premier Inn into a 46-bed HMO shows a strong move to supply proper housing for people with lower incomes. The developers stand by their promise to serve the community and use a strict check for the tenants.

If the plan is approved, it may set a model for future projects in the area. This change highlights that repurposing old buildings can bring good results for both the local people and investor interests.

Sources

• Kent Live: Kent’s Former Premier Inn HMO Planning
• Gravesham Borough Council Documents: Planning Website
• Rightmove Listings Analysis: Rightmove
• Government Guidelines on HMOs: Gov.uk

In a time when affordable, good-quality housing is needed, this project may leave a lasting mark while helping both those who invest and the Gravesend community.