Concerns have been raised about the conversion of three properties into houses of multiple occupation (HMOs) for asylum seekers.
Two homes in Montfort Road and one in Oaks Dene in Walderslade have been transformed by Clearsprings Ready Homes, a contractor for the Home Office.
Residents are concerned about the quiet conversion of houses in their street into HMOs used by the Home Office for asylum seekers
It is understood the properties will house six people each, with the ages of the occupants believed to be between 17 and 20.
Residents say they are worried about the impact on their community, as they believe the quiet area is not suitable to meet the needs of the asylum seekers.
Carol Finan lives in Montfort Road and says she and her neighbours started to notice renovation works were going on longer than they had expected.
After speaking with one of the workers, she was told the property was being turned into an HMO and would be housing asylum seekers.
The 61-year-old said: “We started to notice work was being done, which seemed more substantial than we would’ve expected, and it went on for quite an extended period.
Montfort Road residents say the area isn’t suitable to meet the needs of asylum seekers, considering the limited public transport and other services
“Then, one day I approached one of the workers who was from Clearsprings Ready Homes and asked him about it.
“He told me there were expected to be six people moving in, aged 17 to 20, and they could be moving in that very weekend.
“We’re just very concerned about the possible impacts this could have on the older residents around here, and whether the people moving in are going to be properly supported.
“This is a very quiet area of predominantly older people, some of whom are very vulnerable, and we’re not sure the full consequences have been considered.”
She added that the area didn’t have many amenities which people going through the asylum system would require, and so this would likely result in them being isolated.
Carol also said because of the lack of information about the conversion, rumours were spreading, and people were worried more houses would become HMOs, changing the character of the area.
Cllr Andrew Kennedy (Con) says he’s concerned of the impact on the local community, as well as the fact those in the HMO will be left without support
The streets are within the boundary of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council (TMBC) and the conversions have been applied for via the licensing system, rather than through planning.
Cllr Andrew Kennedy (Con), who represents Malling North East on Kent County Council, said TMBC had been assigned a set number of asylum seekers to house by the government.
He said the use of the locations was “unfair” to residents in those areas and the people being moved there.
The Tory added: “I received a tip-off from someone involved in the dispersal of asylum seekers, and they let me know that some were coming this way.
“It’s not listed on the public planning system because HMOs are dealt with through licensing, so as long as the property is suitable for the number of people the HMO is going to serve, they just need the licence.
“I feel a little sorry for the council because it has been told people are to be designated to this area and it can’t do anything about it – it can’t deny an HMO on the basis of who is going to be living in it.
Montfort Road
“There will be an impact on the residents who live in Montfort Road and Oaks Dene, because I believe it will be very difficult for the asylum seekers to integrate.
“Because they’re looking for larger properties to house as many people as possible, these are more likely to be found in rural areas, but there is a lack of public transport, GPs, and language services they may need.
“It’s unfair on the residents already living there, there will be a change in the community, and it’s unfair for those people who will be dropped there with no management, no support.
“If these were care leavers, people with disabilities, or other vulnerable people, there would be some sort of manager for them – but for these people they’ll just be abandoned.
“Personally, I think, unless they’ve been vetted and actually granted asylum, they should be provided secure accommodation, such as at Crowborough Barracks.
“I do have concerns how this will affect the local community, and it’s foreseeable that these homes could face local anger, with people blaming them for a decision made elsewhere.
“I raised this as soon as I found out about it because I do not like the secrecy. It was unfair on the community to do this without any consultation.
Two properties in Montfort Road and one in Oaks Dene are understood to have been turned into HMOs by Clearsprings Ready Homes
“It’s clear the consultation would likely end up with residents saying they don’t want it, but at least their voices would be heard.”
He also said the move to utilising HMOs and residential properties was a result of the government deciding to stop using hotels for asylum seekers.
Cllr Kennedy said he knew of residents who had taken their homes off the market because they were concerned about the effect the HMO would have on the price.
Clearsprings has been a provider of accommodation for the Home Office since 2000 and purchases or lets properties which can then be used to house people the government has care of.
A TMBC spokesman said: “We are aware of an HMO enquiry regarding properties in the Walderslade area.
“TMBC’s role in this matter is limited to its statutory responsibilities. This includes the licensing of HMOs, where required under national legislation. The council has no input into the process to decide which properties are used as HMOs on behalf of the government.
I raised this as soon as I found out about it because I do not like the secrecy
“Where a property meets the legal definition of an HMO, the council has a duty to process any licence application. If granted, the council can apply conditions to ensure properties are safe, properly managed and suitable for occupation.
“TMBC does not select or approve properties for use by external organisations, and decisions about the occupation of accommodation sit with the prospective licence holder.
“TMBC is required to assess applications against specific criteria set out in law, which focus on the suitability and management of the property.
“Our priority is to ensure that all licensed properties meet the required standards, regardless of who has made the application.”
Clearsprings Ready Homes was contacted for comment.
I raised this as soon as I found out about it because I do not like the secrecy