By Local Democracy Reporter Daniel Esson
Frustrated neighbours have raised concerns of a feared ‘negative impact’ over a Margate pub’s plans for extra outdoor seating on public land.
The Bull’s Head in Market Place has applied for a pavement licence to place tables and seating in the square outside.
Based in the Old Town area, the “traditional British pub” already has six tables with bench seats attached. These were granted a licence, stipulating the street furniture be put away at night, but this expired in September 2023.
Licensing documents note there have been benches and tables outside The Bull’s Head for at least the last 10 years.
Under the new bid, the pub is seeking to add two additional table benches and three decorative planters.
The busy area also sometimes hosts a market and other events.
Dan Thompson, an isle artist and writer, objected to Thanet District Council (TDC), writing: “The Market Place is an important piece of public space, and it’s great that it is used by cafes and bars, the weekend market, and for other licensed events such as Soul Weekend.
“Allowing one business to set up benches permanently, as this licence suggests, impacts on other users, and will set a precedent: if every premise does the same, the space will be privatised by stealth and no longer be available for other uses like Soul Weekend, the market, etc., negatively impacting the tourist offer.
“It will also attract 24-hour use, which will cause anti-social behaviour and negatively impact on the amenity for Old Town residents.
“The Bull’s Head already has a garden at the rear as permanent outdoor space, so will still be able to trade the same way if they use folding beer benches as others do, and pack them away when not in use.”
Francesca Wilkins, owner of the nearby Margate Bookshop, also lodged an objection.
She said: “Currently the pub has eight bench sets outside, in addition to this, they daily set up sets of plastic tables and chairs right in front of their premises which blocks the thoroughfare when people are using these.
“Wheelchair users and people with prams cannot get past on busy days when there are people sat outside the pub.
“On the far end of their seating area, barrels are set up which also block the thoroughfare.
“These items, as well as the planters that are outside, are left to get covered in guano and other dirt, with the area around and beneath each object needing some serious cleaning in order to keep the whole square looking tidy, and potentially also to keep it safe.”
Cllr Rob Yates (Green), who represents the area, also objected to the plans, adding: “This space is communal space for the town of Margate, and is often used in civic events such as the Christmas tree light switch-on and market stalls at weekends.
“By blocking it off with permanent benches you are not allowing these communal events to take place.
“The licence should be contingent on the seats being moveable and stored away at the end of each day.”
TDC’s licensing panel was meant to meet on the morning of August 4 to make the final call on the bid.
However, one of the parties to the application could not make it, so it was adjourned to a future date, yet to be decided.
I hope the licensing panel carry out due diligence regarding this application. Personally, I feel it is an open public space and should remain so.
However, if the application is approved, will the Bulls Head be paying additional rent and rates to TDC for the use and occupation of the area as part of its business ?
So, 3 arty relative newcomers object to an old Margate pub trying to encourage more customers to use it? OK…
And are they not allowed to have their say?
Of course they are. As have I.
They already have planters and extra tables????????
Taking the piss with this gradual takeover of public space. No need for further tables and chairs out, there is more than enough already blocking the pavement.
Unbelievable – the pub wants extra seating outside because it has demand, but killjoys start moaning. Try getting behind and supporting Margate businesses