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Dear Sir/Madam,
We’re inviting residents, landlords, and relevant stakeholders to take part in the consultation for our Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).
It will run from 31 March to 27 April, and we welcome your input.
Why we’re consulting
We recognise the important role HMOs play in providing affordable housing for a wide range of residents, including young professionals, students, and key workers. However, concerns have been raised about the impact they have on local communities. This SPD aims to:
- improve the quality of HMO accommodation in Maidstone
- minimise potential adverse effects on neighbouring properties
- balance the need for family homes with the demand for HMOs
- provide a clear and consistent framework for HMO planning applications
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How the proposed SPD may affect you
If you’re a resident
If you live in a neighbourhood with HMOs, the SPD aims to ensure new developments are well-managed and do not negatively impact the local community. This includes addressing concerns about parking, waste management, and neighbourhood character.
If you’re an HMO tenant
The SPD aims to improve living conditions in HMOs by promoting better housing standards, ensuring safe and high-quality accommodation for tenants.
If you’re an HMO planning applicant
Clearer guidelines on HMO planning applications will help you understand requirements, avoid potential refusals, and support responsible property management.
If you’re a landlord, HMO licence holder, or letting agent
The SPD will provide planning guidance as well as references to relevant non-planning guidance to help you comply with regulations and local policies.
Other organisations and stakeholders
Your input will help shape the SPD to balance HMO demand with local communities’ needs, ensuring that Maidstone remains a great place to live for everyone.
How to get involved
We’d really appreciate a few minutes of your time to complete our survey. Your responses will help inform the final version of the document.
You can submit comments online https://LetsTalkMaidstone.uk.engagementhq.com/houses-in-multiple-occupation-supplementary-planning-document
or request a paper form by calling 01622 602000.
Completed forms should be posted to:
Strategic Planning
Maidstone Borough Council
Maidstone House
King Street
Maidstone
Kent
ME15 6JQ
All responses must be recieved by 23:59 on 27 April 2025.
What happens next
Your feedback will help shape the way HMO planning applications are dealt with in Maidstone. After the consultation closes, we will:
- review and analyse all feedback received
- make necessary changes to the document based on public and stakeholder input
- present a final version for adoption by Council later this year.
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Once adopted, the SPD will be used to determine future HMO planning applications.
Further information
More information can be found on our local plan site https://localplan.maidstone.gov.uk/home/further-guidance
or by emailing ldf@maidstone.gov.uk.
Thank you for your time and participation.
Kind regards,
Strategic Planning Team
Maidstone Borough Council
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