An application submitted to demolish the Crown & Sceptre pub in Acol and build two homes in its place has been refused.
The former Shepherd and Neame pub shut in May 2012. It was then put on the market for £240,000 but only one offer was received and that was later withdrawn.
In April 2013 it was sold for a sum below the original asking price but deemed unsuitable to open as a pub again.
Shepherd and Neame said the pub was not viable with falling beer sales before its closure, little passing trade and a lack of kitchen and restaurant space.
The application from Toran Construction was vehemently opposed by many residents in the village.
Margate Civic Society objected to the “complete annihilation of the historic building.”
In an objection letter the group said: “There were premises here in the 1400s, occasionally used by magistrates. The house has some claim to literary recognition as it must be the hostelry featured by William Cobbett in his Rural Rides (1823).”
Thanet council refused the application. In its decision notice published yesterday (October 16), it states: “The proposal would result in the full demolition of a non-designated heritage asset within the village of Acol, for which there is no justified need. The heritage asset is considered to have historic significance within the village, both through the age and historic use of the building and also through its local interest as a historic landmark.”
The notice also concludes that the design of the proposed development was out of keeping with its surroundings.
Villagers branded the design as “Cell Block H.”
The building is currently in a poor state with the roof gone and weather damage inside.
The premises dates back to the 15th century contains a ‘stock’s restaurant’ title, showing magistrates used to hold their court cases at the site.