Three homes within seven minutes of playground to be converted into HMOs for 'asylum seekers'

Fury has erupted in a Kent suburb after locals discovered three homes within seven minutes of a playground will be converted into HMOs for asylum seekers.

The properties - two on Montfort Road and another on Oaks Dene in Walderslade - have been converted by Clearsprings Ready Homes, the beneficiary of a mega Home Office contract.

The sites lie just seven minutes walk away from the local playground and just under 20 minutes from the nearest primary school.

Each dwelling is expected to house six young migrants, understood to be aged between 17 and 20.

Residents have argued the area lacks the facilities necessary to accommodate the new arrivals.

And in another twist, the conversions have made their way through the licensing system rather than the planning process, meaning they did not appear on public planning registers.

Carol Finan, a 61-year-old Montfort Road resident, recounted how she and her neighbours grew suspicious when renovation work at a nearby property continued far longer than anticipated.

Upon questioning a worker from Clearsprings Ready Homes, she learned the building was being converted to house asylum seekers.

"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," she told Kent Online.

"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."

Mrs Finan noted that the neighbourhood is predominantly made up of elderly residents, some of whom are particularly vulnerable.

Tory councillor Andrew Kennedy has slammed the lack of community consultation in the decision.

He revealed he only became aware of the plans through a tip-off from someone involved in asylum seeker dispersal.

"I raised this as soon as I found out about it because I do not like the secrecy," Mr Kennedy said.

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"It was unfair on the community to do this without any consultation."

The councillor argued the situation was unjust for both existing residents - and the asylum seekers themselves.

"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," he added.

A spokesman for Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council (TMBC) 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.

“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."

GB News has approached the Home Office for comment.

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