Residents of a quiet close have expressed their dismay at plans to turn a former care home into a house in multiple occupation (HMO).

Up to 24 people could move into Pelham House in Folkestone - sparking neighbours’ concerns there could suddenly be an extra 20 cars in the street.

They also worry that approval of the proposals could set a “dangerous precedent”, meaning it will be much harder for council bosses to refuse applications for hostels and Airbnbs.

Residents of Pelham Gardens argue that the building should be reopened under its former use, due to the town’s ageing population and the likelihood of increasing demand for care home places.

But Roger Waluube, who managed Pelham House, says the impact of Covid and spiralling utility bills meant it was no longer viable.

More than half of Pelham House’s residents died from the virus in just 10 days at the height of the pandemic. It was later rated inadequate and closed in June last year.

It has since gained a licence from Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) to be turned into a HMO - but it cannot lawfully operate until a separate planning application for the scheme is approved.

A bid has now been submitted to repurpose the property’s 23 rooms, six bathrooms, two kitchens, and three dining areas.

However, more than 50 people have objected to the changes on the council’s planning portal.

One resident, Peter Callander, who has lived in Pelham Gardens for 20 years, is among those worried about the proposals.

The 54-year-old told KentOnline: “You choose to live somewhere that fits your needs, and we chose this close because it was quiet - but now there could be an additional 20 cars in the street.

“Affordable housing is needed, but is this the solution? There will be just as many people in 22 homes as there will be in two.

“It feels like a knee-jerk reaction - leaving residents with a change they haven’t been consulted about.”

Graham Furneaux, 70, who has lived locally for most of his life, is urging the council to listen to the concerns of the community.

He told KentOnline: “A care home has operated here successfully for many years. I see it as a much-needed facility in any town - especially in Folkestone, which has an ageing profile.

“I am very concerned that should the planners approve this application, then a dangerous precedent will have been set within this area of special character, and in future, it will be much harder to refuse applications for hostels, hotels, Airbnbs and the like.

“This is a very serious step and not to be taken lightly. There will be no going back.

“The local community has come together to oppose the plans, and if the local community is worth anything, they should be listened to.

“We aren’t saying we don’t want anything on the site, but what’s been proposed is a weak solution.”

Mr Waluube says Pelham House has been virtually empty since closing a year ago.

“There has always been a wonderful relationship between all the residents within Pelham Gardens, and the views and feelings of our neighbours are fully appreciated,” he said,

“We were desperately sad to close the care home after over 40 years of service to the community, but the impact of Covid-19, followed by utility bills that went from £1,000 a month to £10,000 a month, meant it was impossible to be viable.”

He says while the property has been on the market as an empty care home, there was interest in taking it over, but they “could not get approval from the landlord”.

Mr Waluube added: “We have worked with the local council to explore the option of an HMO, and they feel that this is a viable and sensible option.

“A licence has been granted, and the property ought to be used for the benefit of local people as there is an urgent need for affordable housing and to help the community in a slightly different way.

“Being so close to local amenities and having considerable parking space, we do not foresee any more disturbance than when it was a vibrant care home, having many visitors daily.

“Due to the ownership arrangements of the property, it is not foreseeable that it will remain as an HMO for much longer than a year.

“We look forward to bringing life back to the property and welcoming new residents to Pelham Gardens.”

Locals raised £9,950 to ensure the survival of the facility after Covid-19.

In the summer of 2020, bosses spoke about the tragic events in a heartbreaking TV special.

Then, in 2021, the care home’s manager, Roger Waluube, helped guide a Channel 4 drama that focused on how staff struggled during the height of the pandemic.

Titled ‘Help’, the show starred Jodie Comer and Stephen Graham.

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal

An FHDC spokesperson said the HMO licence was granted in April this year “following subsequent representations and an inspection of the property”

They added: “The licence expires on April 22, 2026, or until such time as a decision is made by the council to grant planning permission for the property to be used as a HMO as per the planning application.”