An application to demolish the fire damaged Chilton Tavern and outbuilding at Pegwell and build four 3-bed homes has been granted permission.
A proposal in 2018 to create three homes at the site was refused and another in 2020 to convert the first floor to two flats was also rejected.
Documents in 2018 said the Tavern was no longer viable as a pub and the business had seen takings decrease considerably over the past 10-year period due to the impact of no-smoking legislation and cheaper sales of alcohol being provided by local retail outlets.
In 2019 the pub stopped trading. In 2021 an application for five homes was made but not Thanet council did not make a decision so it was taken to appeal. The appeal was dismissed but the inspector noted that it was not a heritage asset, saying: “Before the fire, the pub was clearly recognisable for what it was and had a certain charm that had not been spoiled by later additions or alterations. No doubt it is a local landmark and has been a feature of the area for well over a hundred years.
“But the same could be said of many older buildings on corner plots. No contextual information has been provided to show that the Chilton Tavern is a particularly important example of a Victorian public house in Ramsgate. There is also no indication that the building is particularly loved or valued by the local community.”
In October 2022 six fire engines and the height vehicle attended a blaze at the Tavern.
Fire crews were called after residents heard a loud ‘explosion.’ Kent Police were also at the scene. Firefighters batted the flames for almost four hours.
The latest application was submitted in May with the approval decision published today (August 29).
Several objections were raised including one from a neighbour who shares the wall that the stables (outbuilding) are built on. They said: “I have a shared wall that the stables are built on and this forms part of my house. No-ne has approached me about this and to build a house next to 185 would mean taking down part of my house.”
The requested three homes be built instead of four with the stables used as a micropub.
The Thanet council case officer dealing with the application recommended approval, saying: “It is considered, that the proposed development would not have an unduly adverse impact on either the character and appearance of the area, the living conditions of the occupiers of adjacent properties, or highway safety, to the extent that this would warrant a refusal of planning permission. Therefore, the development is considered acceptable.”
