A resubmitted application to create flats at the former Rook’s shop in Ramsgate will be discussed by Thanet councillors next week.
The latest application from property owner Behrooz Ahmadi has reduced the number of flats requested from six to three and includes alterations to mass. The shop will remain market 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 initially teamed up with Dave Humphries, who was in the paper industry before retiring, to launch Hidden Treasures indoor market in May 2023 at the Ramsgate shop. However this closed at the end of September that year due to Dave’s ill health. It then reopened but with one trader rather than as a market.
The initial residential application, which would have increased the premises by 30%, was rejected on grounds including harm to the conservation area and the standard of accommodation.
The latest application proposes three flats, a second floor extension and balcony and an increase in roof height. Entrance to the flats would be from Abbotts Hill.
Documents say: “This is a sympathetic restoration with much needed ‘start up ‘accommodation. The flats are for sale or rental.
“The existing street façade has been retained. 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 intention is to create (2) one-bedroom flats and (1) two-bedroom Flat whilst maintaining the well-established store on the high street.”
The initial application provoked nine letters of objection which raised concerns including fire safety; noise; loss of privacy and bulk and height. There re also three letters of support.
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 has not made an objection to the revised scheme.
The application is being referred to the Planning Committee at the request of Cllr Corinna Huxley due to concerns the development would be out of keeping in the area, would represent an overdevelopment, impact upon neighbour amenity and waste concerns.
Planning committee members will discuss the application on November 20.
Members have been recommended to defer and delegate the application to officers to approve subject to a verified/signed unilateral undertaking within six months of the committee resolution.
