Developers who plan to turn 1 Belgrave Rd, Margate -occupied by Dreamland Beds and Lobster Van hire – into commercial units and parking at ground floor and 10 apartments, have been sent back to the drawing board to amend the design.
The proposal for a ‘statement building’ at the site, which would see three additional floors added to the property, divided opinion when it went before planning committee members at Thanet council this week.
Lee Evans Partnership LLP was commissioned by site owner Belgrave Road Margate Ltd to submit the application for the “unashamedly modern” development which includes bright orange cladding on the upper levels and a sign stating The Fun Starts Here on the roof.
The prominent building dates from the 1920s and has been used as a commercial building for its entire lifespan. It is currently divided into two for use by Dreamland Beds and Lobster Van Hire.
The proposal is for a mixed used scheme of three commercial units and parking at ground floor and 10 apartments over three floors, including 2 penthouses.
However, council planning officers recommended refusal for the scheme based on concerns including overlooking, bulk and height, materials (colour) and a negative impact on the conservation area.
These points were also raised by Grosvenor Place resident Geraldine Scott who told the meeting that she had no objection to commercial units or self-contained flats but did object to the appearance of the proposed building and the impact it would have on the conservation area.
She said the design was not in keeping with the area and would “blight” the views, adding: “Three additional floors on the existing building greatly increases density…it is disruptive rather than sympathetic.” She added that the lettering was “entirely not in keeping with the conservation area.”
A representative from Lee Evans Partnership told the committee that the scheme would be a “significant investment” in the regeneration of Margate and aimed to “revitalise a brown field site’ by ‘reflecting the unique and exciting character of Margate.’
She said overlooking concerns could be dealt with by using balcony screening; that there was no objection to providing developer contributions and changes to the appearance could be considered.
Cllr Reece Pugh, who called the application in to committee for discussion, said it was a good use of a brownfield site and pointed out it was in the same area as the Flamingo amusements sign and the rear of Dreamland.
He said: “It is an incredibly inventive and interesting design,” likening the concerns over the modern appearance to those initially held by residents over the Turner Contemporary building.
He added that, following covid, it could be a way to encourage people to come back to, and live in, town centres.
Councillors including Phil Fellows and George Rusiecki spoke of the project bringing investment to Margate but others, such as Cllr Heather Keen, said the design was ‘gaudy’.’
Cllrs Steve Albon and Becky Wing branded the elevation at the rear as ‘barking mad’ with Cllr Wing saying she didn’t understand why the rooftop sign was included but also supported large parts of the proposed build.
Council officers had recommended that the scheme was refused but councillors voted against that. Instead a proposal suggested by Cllr Albon was agreed for the application to be deferred back to officers to seek amendments and then returned before the planning committee.
If the application is eventually approved Kent County Council will ask for developer contributions of:
Secondary education contribution £12940 towards a new Thanet Secondary School or additional places and the secondary land contribution £3777.80 towards the new Thanet Secondary School land acquisition cost.
The community learning contribution of £164.20 at the Margate Adult Education centre, £655 towards additional resources for the Thanet Youth Service,
£554.50 for additional book stock and resources at Margate Library
Social care contributions would be £1468.80 towards specialist care accommodation, assistive technology systems and equipment to adapt homes, adapting community facilities, sensory facilities, and Changing Places within the local area.
A contribution of £554.70 is also requested towards improvements at Margate Waste Recycling Centre.
