'Dread' as plans for 63‑bed HMO get go‑ahead
Original Article Summary
Gillingham MP Naushabah Khan says the HMO should have been put to a vote.
PropMatch Curated Analysis
Medway Council approved a 63-bed HMO conversion in Gillingham despite local opposition and MP pressure, while an Article 4 direction introduced in January 2025 already tightens smaller HMO conversions across seven wards. The council may expand restrictions further.
Investor Relevance
HMO investors eyeing Medway or similar student-heavy South East towns should note growing political and regulatory resistance to large HMO conversions, the recent Article 4 direction, and the possibility of its expansion — all of which increase planning risk and could affect acquisition viability and exit strategy.
Original Source:
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