Historic Margate pub set to be turned into flats
The Britannia closed its doors in 2020
A distinctive Grade-II Listed former pub labelled an “eyesore” is set to be overhauled into flats.
Divisive plans to transform Margate’s old Britannia into homes recently received a mixed bag of reaction.
But now, the once prominent family pub in Fort Hill, previously renowned for £1 roast dinners, is expected to be revamped into four flats.
Dating back to about 1828, The Britannia closed its doors in 2020 citing rising costs, and has remained shut ever since.
Now, Thanet District Council planning chiefs are expected to greenlight developer Acme Lettings’ proposals, after it pointed out the “non-viability” of running pubs.
The Whitstable developer argued in its design and access statement: “Certainly, the decline of the pub as a community facility is highlighted in that another local pub has closed, together with many other pubs within the area, most due to the non-viability of running them.”
“There has been various alterations to the existing building over time, not all in character with the age and style of the property, consisting of extensions to the front side and rear,” the developers add.
The building situated next to Margate Police Station has a distinctive castellated front, with Acme stressing the unique design will remain unchanged.
Originally, the application also included plans for two semi-detached cottages in the former beer garden.
However, the buildings were removed from the plans, with TDC’s conservation officer labelling them “inappropriate” and “ultimately causing harm to the primary listed property”.
The application has been controversial, attracting six objections and nine letters of support in the authority’s planning portal.
“With the urgent need for more housing, changing the use of the land and property to incorporate such in a prime seafront location therefore seems to be the best and most sensible way forward,” wrote resident Keith Docwra.
“I feel this proposal will bring a much-needed and welcome change to the site in question.”
The new homes would be a “small but essential step in the right direction and can only serve to enhance the local area,” Mr Docwra added.
Andrew Cox wrote that he supports the bid “to finally do something constructive with the white elephant that is the Britannia public house.
“I know that the pub business has failed on five consecutive occasions because the Britannia is too big for its own good.
“These days people want specialist designer bars and micro pubs. The days of the huge family public house have long gone.”
He added: “Residential use is the only sensible option.”
“The building will go from being a paint-peeling eyesore, with a concrete car park dominating the frontage, to an attractive facade with substantial planting,” wrote Elizabeth Stone.
However, not everyone is overjoyed to see the historic inn converted.
Julian Stone, pub preservation officer of the Thanet Campaign for Real Ale, wrote to the district council on behalf of the 500 members.
“We believe the Britannia Hotel needs time to reestablish itself,” he argued.
“Let’s be clear, pubs and hotels in Margate need to be protected from being converted into flats or houses in multiple occupation.
“Pubs and hotel businesses are important for the town’s continued prosperity and vitality.”
Ian Jones also came out in objection, arguing: “This proposal seems to be an exercise in squeezing 6 three-bedroom dwellings onto a relatively small plot, adding substantially to urban density, with little thought regarding its detrimental impact on the quality of life in neighbouring (listed) properties.
“Whilst some development of the Britannia pub is probably inevitable in one form or another, the proposal under consideration is opportunistic, inconsiderate and far from ideal, contributing little to the neighbourhood,” he added.
The Britannia garnered attention in 2019 when the landlord started selling what could have been Britain’s cheapest roast dinner at only £1 a meal.
But the landlords closed in January 2020 amid mounting trading pressures.
Indeed, it has been well-documented pubs across the county have been struggling for years.
As the housing crisis shows no sign of abating, many have been converted into flats or homes instead.
The Swann Inn, in Sturry, has laid empty since 2011 and was set for restoration into a pub by owners Junior King’s School until they backtracked earlier this year.
Documents show the private co-ed instead wants to provide a 61-place newly built nursery, an after-school club, new staff accommodation and a private hire community space where alcohol will be prohibited.
In March this year, Dover District Council’s planning committee approved a bid to turn the Saracen’s Head on Alfred Square in Deal into a home.
Meanwhile, the former Lighthouse Inn in Capel-le-Ferne, between Folkestone and Dover, is now under new ownership after going under the hammer.
Abandoned for five years, the Lighthouse sold at auction for almost £800,000 and could be “totally redeveloped”.
In April, Ashford Borough Council gave permission for The Swan in Tufton Street, Ashford, into a home.
TDC’s planning committee are set to vote on the application at a meeting on Wednesday, April 17, where planning officers will recommend it be approved.