Airbnb property host hits back at rule-flouting claims at rented house in Plantation Lane, Bearsted

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A property host is furious at claims the airbnb she runs is constantly flouting rules.

The swanky £825-a-night pad at Bearsted, near Maidstone, hit the headlines when more than 100 people showed up to a party there at the end of May.

The airbnb property in Plantation Lane, Bearsted, has caused plenty of debate with neighbours saying they are fearful who will stay in the property every weekend

A fight broke out and police were called, with the party organiser fined £10,000 for flouting Covid-19 lockdown rules over mass gatherings.

Officers were called to the Plantation Lane property again last Friday afternoon after complaints about noise were made by neighbours.

The house features a jacuzzi and a movie room and has earned five-star reviews from guests.

Teresa Pinnoy, who manages the building on behalf of the owners – a family of five – says, apart from the illegal party, nothing significantly untoward has happened.

Commenting on police being called last week, Mrs Pinnoy said: “It is absolutely ridiculous. There were four adults and five children there on [the] Friday.

Scenes from the chaotic party in Bearsted in May

“One of the children got so scared because the police came through from the back.

“It was just two families, trying to have a little bit of fun for the weekend. It’s ridiculous. I think, since that rave happened, the neighbours have been quite ridiculous with every single guest that stayed.”

Police confirmed they attended on August 20 but said no further action was needed.

A spokesman said: “A call was made to Kent Police at around 4.25pm on Friday, August 20, relating to concerns of shouting and loud music from a property in Plantation Lane, Bearsted.

How the property is advertised on the airbnb website
How the property is advertised on the airbnb website

“A patrol attended the property and established it was a rental premises being used to host a family gathering.

“The music was turned down when requested to do so by officers and no further action was required.”

Since the chaotic scenes in May, guests are now vetted in advance, numbers allowed to stay have reduced from 10 to eight and the cost has been increased.

Mrs Pinnoy added people had allegedly been spotted filming guests in the garden.

“We have done so much,” she said. “What else can we do?”

Former Maidstone magistrate Nigel Cox is leading an action group against those running and owning the rented accommodation. Picture: Nigel Cox
Former Maidstone magistrate Nigel Cox is leading an action group against those running and owning the rented accommodation. Picture: Nigel Cox

But an action group led by Bearsted resident Nigel Cox has been formed, with around 10 people living nearby complaining they are unhappy with what they feel is a constant disregard for the neighbourhood.

Mr Cox, a retired magistrate and former councillor, was away last weekend but informed of the latest goings-on by a neighbour on his return.

He said: “This is just impossible for local residents to live with in quiet Bearsted.

“We’re virtually all elderly.

“It is just terrible. It’s not going to stop because, obviously, the owners want the money.

“There’s no specific regulation with regards to noise for rental property or holiday lets.”

“Airbnb don’t give a damn and it’s a question of taking what action our group can to get this stopped.”

Cllr Val Springett (Con), who represents Bearsted on Maidstone Borough Council (MBC), said people’s concerns were understandable.

“I haven’t been made aware of any events subsequent to the rave,” she continued.

“There’s no specific regulation with regards to noise for rental property or holiday lets. They just fall under the same regulations as any other property with regards to noise nuisance.

“But understandably, residents are concerned, given what’s happened previously.”

Airbnb say it was unaware of last week’s incident as nobody has contacted them about it.

A spokesman said: “We want to be a good partner to local communities, which is why we launched our 24/7 neighbour support line to enable anyone to contact us with a concern about a local listing, and we investigate all reports received.

“With more than 900 million guest arrivals on Airbnb to date, isolated issues are rare and we take action on those brought to our attention.”

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone

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