{"id":32426,"date":"2026-10-04T17:10:37","date_gmt":"2026-10-04T17:10:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/?p=32426"},"modified":"2026-10-04T17:10:37","modified_gmt":"2026-10-04T17:10:37","slug":"more-than-300-objections-filed-as-maidstone-residents-oppose-plans-to-convert-former-grange-moor-hotel-into-42-studio-apartments-for-65-people-warning-of-added-pressure-on-parking-and-infrastructure","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/?p=32426","title":{"rendered":"More than 300 objections filed as Maidstone residents oppose plans to convert former Grange Moor Hotel into 42 studio apartments for 65 people, warning of added pressure on parking and infrastructure"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"e9jwa\">\n<div class=\"vdo_embedd\">\n<div class=\"GfdvZ\">\n<section class=\"_bIDB  clearfix id-r-component leadmedia undefined undefined  E9tg9 \" style=\"top:0px\">\n<div class=\"_bIDB\" data-ua-type=\"1\" onclick=\"stpPgtnAndPrvntDefault(event)\">\n<div class=\"ypVvZ\">\n<div class=\"WGttI\"><img src=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-134677440,imgsize-149204,width-400,height-225,resizemode-4\/residents-oppose-plans-to-turn-the-former-hotel-and-wedding-venue-into-42-studio-apartments-for-65-people.jpg\" alt=\"More than 300 objections filed as Maidstone residents oppose plans to convert former Grange Moor Hotel into 42 studio apartments for 65 people, warning of added pressure on parking and infrastructure\" title=\"Residents oppose plans to turn the former hotel and wedding venue into 42 studio apartments for 65 people. (Photo: SWNS)\" decoding=\"async\" fetchpriority=\"high\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Ta7d_ img_cptn\"><span title=\"Residents oppose plans to turn the former hotel and wedding venue into 42 studio apartments for 65 people. (Photo: SWNS)\">Residents oppose plans to turn the former hotel and wedding venue into 42 studio apartments for 65 people. (Photo: SWNS)<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Residents in Maidstone, Kent, have voiced strong opposition to plans to convert a former hotel and wedding venue into a 42-unit co-living development, saying they fear the proposal could put additional pressure on parking, local infrastructure and the character of the neighbourhood.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"2\"\/>More than 300 objections were submitted before the consultation deadline on September 22, with a planning decision expected at a later date.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"4\"\/>The former Grange Moor Hotel is proposed to be converted into 42 studio apartments, which could accommodate an estimated 65 people.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"6\"\/>Residents living on surrounding roads have described themselves as \u201cdevastated\u201d by the plans, with some saying they would not have purchased their homes had they known about the proposed development, according to SWNS.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"10\"\/><\/p>\n<p><h2>\u2018This was our dream home\u2019<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<p>Kate Broom, 51, bought her house in May and said she would have reconsidered the purchase had she known about the proposal.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"13\"\/>\u201cWe are absolutely devastated. This was our dream home,\u201d she said.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"15\"\/>Broom said her concerns were primarily about the scale of the proposed accommodation and the existing pressure on local services.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"17\"\/>\u201cWe have no problem with migrants. We have to house them somewhere. It is not who is going to be there, it is the volume,\u201d she said.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"20\"\/>\u201cIt is already stressful parking, the roads are really busy. We haven\u2019t been able to get a place at a GP surgery yet. This street can\u2019t cope.\u201d<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"22\"\/>She added, \u201cWe definitely wouldn\u2019t have bought this if we knew.\u201d<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"24\"\/><\/p>\n<p><h2>Former hotel was a long-standing community venue<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<div data-pos=\"0\" class=\"id-r-component iIpbx undefined  &#10;        \">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"The former Grange Moor Hotel is at the centre of a proposed 42-unit co-living development.\" msid=\"134677491\" imgsize=\"366381\" resizemode=\"4\" width=\"\" title=\"The former Grange Moor Hotel is at the centre of a proposed 42-unit co-living development. (Photo: SWNS)\" placeholdersrc=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/83033472.cms\" offsetvertical=\"0\" placeholdermsid=\"47529300\" type=\"thumb\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/imgsize-366381,msid-134677491\/the-former-grange-moor-hotel-is-at-the-centre-of-a-proposed-42-unit-co-living-development.jpg\" data-api-prerender=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The former Grange Moor Hotel is at the centre of a proposed 42-unit co-living development. (Photo: SWNS)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"27\"\/>The three-star Grange Moor Hotel underwent refurbishment and was rebranded as the Apartell in January last year. However, it closed permanently in December, with planning documents citing \u201cmajor financial viability issues\u201d.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"30\"\/>For many residents, the building had been a familiar part of the community for decades.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"32\"\/>Jake King, 38, who lives nearby with his partner and their two young children, said the proposed change was particularly upsetting because of the hotel&#8217;s long history in the area.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"34\"\/>\u201cGrange Moor has been there since I was a kid so it has always been around. To see it repurposed is sad,\u201d he said.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"36\"\/>King said he was also concerned about how the development could affect families living nearby.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"39\"\/>\u201cMy ten-year-old son heard about it on the way to school and said he is worried about walking to school alone,\u201d he said.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"41\"\/><\/p>\n<p><h2>Residents raise concerns over parking and property values<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<p>Jackie Farrington, 84, a former foster carer who has lived on the street for 45 years, said she was concerned about parking, crime and the potential impact on property values.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"44\"\/>\u201cI am worried about parking and crime. We don\u2019t know who is going to be in there. I think it will make the house value go down as well,\u201d she said.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"47\"\/>Farrington said she had witnessed an increase in HMOs in the area and felt the character of the street had changed.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"49\"\/>\u201cIt was a lovely road but it has really changed,\u201d she said.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"51\"\/>Yvonne Whitehead, 78, who has lived in the area for 35 years and previously ran a nearby nursing home, said the former hotel had personal significance for her family.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"53\"\/>\u201cIt used to be a lovely hotel. I used to go there for nice dinners. My children got married there,\u201d she said.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"56\"\/>She also raised concerns about the impact of the development on local families and children.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"58\"\/><\/p>\n<p><h2>Plans include communal facilities and private parking<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<div data-pos=\"0\" class=\"id-r-component iIpbx undefined  &#10;        \">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Residents have described themselves as \u201cdevastated\u201d by plans to redevelop the former hotel.\" msid=\"134677503\" imgsize=\"327425\" resizemode=\"4\" width=\"\" title=\"Residents have described themselves as \u201cdevastated\u201d by plans to redevelop the former hotel. (Photo: SWNS)\" placeholdersrc=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/83033472.cms\" offsetvertical=\"0\" placeholdermsid=\"47529300\" type=\"thumb\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/imgsize-327425,msid-134677503\/residents-have-described-themselves-as-devastated-by-plans-to-redevelop-the-former-hotel.jpg\" data-api-prerender=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Residents have described themselves as \u201cdevastated\u201d by plans to redevelop the former hotel. (Photo: SWNS)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"61\"\/>The proposed development would feature 42 co-living studio apartments, along with communal kitchens, workspaces, a gym, a community living area, laundry facilities and communal gardens.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"63\"\/>The plans also include private parking spaces with electric vehicle charging facilities.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"65\"\/>Residents have speculated that the accommodation could eventually house asylum seekers, but this has not been confirmed.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"68\"\/>The concerns come amid wider complaints from some Maidstone residents about the number of HMOs being developed in the town.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"70\"\/><\/p>\n<p><h2>More HMOs planned in other parts of Maidstone<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<p>Residents in other parts of Maidstone have also raised concerns about HMO developments.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"73\"\/>Stefan, 45, who has lived on Campbell Road for five years, said several HMOs were currently being built nearby.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"75\"\/>\u201cThe main issue is overcrowding. It has changed a lot since we moved in,\u201d he said.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"77\"\/>He also claimed that crime had increased on the street and said the frequent change of occupants was a concern.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"80\"\/>On neighbouring Rawdon Road, resident Neaveen Katta, 43, said the number of HMOs had increased significantly since she moved to the area five years ago.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"82\"\/>\u201cThere are so many HMOs. It is very difficult here,\u201d she said, adding that she had complained to the council.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"85\"\/>Katta said she planned to move after her daughter completed her education.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"87\"\/><\/p>\n<p><h2>Planning decision yet to be made<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<p>The consultation period for the Grange Moor Hotel proposal closed on September 22 after more than 300 objections were submitted.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"91\"\/>The objections reflect residents\u2019 concerns about parking, infrastructure, the number of occupants and the potential impact on the surrounding community. However, the planning application remains under consideration, and a final decision has not yet been made.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"93\"\/>The proposed redevelopment would transform a former hotel and wedding venue that had served the Maidstone community for decades into a dedicated co-living scheme, making it a closely watched planning issue for residents in the surrounding neighbourhood.<\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/timesofindia.indiatimes.com\/world\/uk\/more-than-300-objections-filed-as-maidstone-residents-oppose-plans-to-convert-former-grange-moor-hotel-into-42-studio-apartments-for-65-people-warning-of-added-pressure-on-parking-and-infrastructure\/articleshow\/134677426.cms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Residents oppose plans to turn the former hotel and wedding venue into 42 studio apartments for 65 people. (Photo: SWNS) Residents in Maidstone, Kent, have voiced strong opposition to plans to convert a former hotel and wedding venue into a 42-unit co-living development, saying they fear the proposal could put additional pressure on parking, local [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":32427,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[31],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-32426","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-31"],"magazineBlocksPostFeaturedMedia":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/residents-oppose-plans-to-turn-the-former-hotel-and-wedding-venue-into-42-studio-apartments-for-65-p-150x150.avif","medium":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/residents-oppose-plans-to-turn-the-former-hotel-and-wedding-venue-into-42-studio-apartments-for-65-p-300x169.avif","medium_large":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/residents-oppose-plans-to-turn-the-former-hotel-and-wedding-venue-into-42-studio-apartments-for-65-p.avif","large":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/residents-oppose-plans-to-turn-the-former-hotel-and-wedding-venue-into-42-studio-apartments-for-65-p.avif","1536x1536":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/residents-oppose-plans-to-turn-the-former-hotel-and-wedding-venue-into-42-studio-apartments-for-65-p.avif","2048x2048":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/residents-oppose-plans-to-turn-the-former-hotel-and-wedding-venue-into-42-studio-apartments-for-65-p.avif","blogsy-small":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/residents-oppose-plans-to-turn-the-former-hotel-and-wedding-venue-into-42-studio-apartments-for-65-p.avif","blogsy-small-tall":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/residents-oppose-plans-to-turn-the-former-hotel-and-wedding-venue-into-42-studio-apartments-for-65-p.avif","blogsy-small-square":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/residents-oppose-plans-to-turn-the-former-hotel-and-wedding-venue-into-42-studio-apartments-for-65-p.avif","blogsy-small-masonry":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/residents-oppose-plans-to-turn-the-former-hotel-and-wedding-venue-into-42-studio-apartments-for-65-p.avif","blogsy-medium":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/residents-oppose-plans-to-turn-the-former-hotel-and-wedding-venue-into-42-studio-apartments-for-65-p.avif","blogsy-medium-masonry":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/residents-oppose-plans-to-turn-the-former-hotel-and-wedding-venue-into-42-studio-apartments-for-65-p.avif","blogsy-large":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/residents-oppose-plans-to-turn-the-former-hotel-and-wedding-venue-into-42-studio-apartments-for-65-p.avif","blogsy-wide":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/residents-oppose-plans-to-turn-the-former-hotel-and-wedding-venue-into-42-studio-apartments-for-65-p.avif"},"magazineBlocksPostAuthor":{"name":"admin","avatar":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8709732a479614e7a8aa24d3eb1b239f30dc6d90c61464ed495001e7a469d856?s=96&d=mm&r=g"},"magazineBlocksPostCommentsNumber":"0","magazineBlocksPostExcerpt":"Residents oppose plans to turn the former hotel and wedding venue into 42 studio apartments for 65 people. (Photo: SWNS) Residents in Maidstone, Kent, have voiced strong opposition to plans to convert a former hotel and wedding venue into a 42-unit co-living development, saying they fear the proposal could put additional pressure on parking, local [&hellip;]","magazineBlocksPostCategories":["\u0b26\u0b47\u0b36 \u0b2c\u0b3f\u0b26\u0b47\u0b36"],"magazineBlocksPostViewCount":1,"magazineBlocksPostReadTime":5,"magazine_blocks_featured_image_url":{"full":["https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/residents-oppose-plans-to-turn-the-former-hotel-and-wedding-venue-into-42-studio-apartments-for-65-p.avif",400,225,false],"medium":["https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/residents-oppose-plans-to-turn-the-former-hotel-and-wedding-venue-into-42-studio-apartments-for-65-p-300x169.avif",300,169,true],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/residents-oppose-plans-to-turn-the-former-hotel-and-wedding-venue-into-42-studio-apartments-for-65-p-150x150.avif",150,150,true]},"magazine_blocks_author":{"display_name":"admin","author_link":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/author\/admin"},"magazine_blocks_comment":0,"magazine_blocks_author_image":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8709732a479614e7a8aa24d3eb1b239f30dc6d90c61464ed495001e7a469d856?s=96&d=mm&r=g","magazine_blocks_category":"<a href=\"#\" class=\"category-link category-link-31\">\u0b26\u0b47\u0b36 \u0b2c\u0b3f\u0b26\u0b47\u0b36<\/a>","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32426","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=32426"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32426\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/32427"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=32426"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=32426"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=32426"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}