An application to create flats at the rear and upper floors of the former Rook’s shop in Ramsgate has been rejected by Thanet council.
Property owner Behrooz Ahmadi wanted to create 5 one-bedroom flats and 1 two-bedroom flat for the local rental market whilst maintaining retail at street level.
J C Rook & Sons shops closed in March 2022 after the firm went into administration.
The businessman, who lives in Margate, made an investment to bring the Ramsgate and Herne Bay sites back into use.
Behrooz, who formerly worked in Iran where his business had the sole contract for laying the gas pipelines, initially teamed up with Dave Humphries, who was in the paper industry before retiring, to launch Hidden Treasures indoor market last May at the Ramsgate shop. However this closed at the end of September due to Dave’s ill health. It has since reopened but with one trader rather than as a market.
The new application proposed the erection of a two storey rear extension and increase in roof height to provide an additional floor with two dormers to create the six flats. The work would increase the premises by 30%.
In planning documents it said: “This is a sympathetic restoration with much needed ‘start up ‘accommodation.
“The flats are for private rental/ Air B&B market and are suitable for couples with one larger flat on the top floor with an additional bedroom.
“The building is in a very poor state of repair with minimum use above the shop premises due to being previously used as a large butchers with preparation and office space above.”
The application provoked nine letters of objection which raised concerns including fire safety; noise; loss of privacy and bulk and height.
Ramsgate Town Council objected on the grounds of bin storage, overdevelopment and the impact on neighbouring properties. Ramsgate Heritage Design Forum also objected saying it was overdevelopment of the site.
Thanet council’s conservation officer said the planned elevations “appear somewhat clunky and ill considered. “
They noted the building is within the Ramsgate Conservation Area and adjacent to a Grade II listed property, adding: “Some development is likely to be acceptable here in principle however historic aspects of the site need to be fully considered.”
The council’s planning officer recommended refusal, saying: “There is a need for new housing development that is in a sustainable location, with reasonable access to public facilities and amenities. The application site is located within the town of Ramsgate and within easy walking and cycling distances of the town’s facilities and amenities.
“The proposals, due to their design and appearance, would not be out of keeping with the immediate character and appearance of the Conservation Area or the surrounding area.
“There would be harm to residential amenity through overlooking and some of the flats would not offer a good standard of accommodation.
“Whilst there are some public benefits to the scheme, the provision of residential units, the benefits do not outweigh the harm.”
The application was refused with the decision notice published this week.
