A charity has lodged plans to transform an empty hotel into “emergency accommodation” for the homeless.

Bosses at Rainbow Centre Folkestone are aiming to provide year-round housing at the former Hamlet Hotel in Shakespeare Terrace.

They have submitted plans to Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) to convert the site into a 17-bed HMO (house in multiple occupation).

The initiative comes amid rising concerns about homelessness across the county.

According to government estimates included in planning documents, the number of people sleeping rough on a single night in autumn 2023 in England was 3,898, up 27% from the previous year.

In Kent, 126 rough sleepers were recorded, a 57.5% increase from 2022.

The county's rate of rough sleeping now stands at 1.8 per 10,000 households.

“We recognise that neighbours may have concerns…”

In Folkestone and Hythe, the official figure for rough sleepers in November 2023 was 16.

However, data indicates that 42 people were verified as sleeping rough during the same month when combining information from multiple agencies.

Now, the team at the Rainbow Centre are aiming to change the use of the former hotel, without altering its exterior.

The charity, which has managed a winter shelter for more than 14 years, intends to replace the seasonal facility with this permanent, year-round accommodation.

Chairman of the organisation, Dr Peter Le Feuvre, said in planning documents how the development “addresses a pressing need in our community”.

“We recognise that neighbours may have concerns, but we have robust screening and risk assessment processes to ensure a calm and orderly environment,” he said.

“Our reputation in the town is important to us, and we will do everything possible to manage this development responsibly while supporting those in need.”

The charity plans to station a live-in concierge at the property, with support staff operating from its office 300 metres away.

Residents of the accommodation will not require parking spaces, as clients are not expected to own cars.

The Rainbow Centre, based in Sandgate Road, has also committed to maintaining a “clean and orderly” exterior for the property, despite limitations on planting due to hard surfacing.

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

If approved, the building will be used by adults over the age of 18.

Emergency accommodation is for people who are experiencing homelessness and need immediate assistance, while supported housing is for people who need additional support to live independently.

A decision on the planning application is expected to be made by FHDC in January. There have been no objections made to the proposals.