Bar and events venue at The Corn Store, Dover Place, Ashford

“This application seeks full planning permission for the change of use of part of the ground floor of The Corn Store from Use Class E (formally classed as B1(a) (Office) which has since been included in Class E) to Sui Generis use (Drinking establishment), to allow the unit to operate as a bar and events venue, together with associated internal and external alterations. The…”

“Externally, the proposal involves alterations to the elevation fronting the internal Coachworks yard, including the removal of an existing section of wall and a single doorway and the insertion of two commercial-grade double doors as demonstrated by Figure 4. These alterations are intended to improve accessibility and permeability between the internal space and the external yard area.”

“Introduction This application is reported to Planning Committee as the Coachworks is owned by Ashford Borough Council. Site and Surroundings 1. The application site forms part of the established Coachworks complex, a vibrant mixed-use destination that blends commercial, cultural, and hospitality uses within Ashford Town Centre.”

“The site falls within the Ashford Town Centre boundary and is identified within Policy SP5 of the Ashford Local Plan 2030, which seeks to promote the town centre as the main focus for social, economic, cultural and leisure activity within the borough. The site is also situated within the Commercial Quarter identified within Policy S1.”

“18/01369/AS - Refurbishment of the existing Corn Store and Former Youth Theatre buildings to provide workspace, food, drink and event space.”

“18/01369/AMND/AS - Revision to Hot House replacing sliding doors with roller shutter and emergency door on northern elevation; reduction of double sliding facade panel to single facade panel with balustrade on southern elevation; retention of brickwork on western elevation: Revision to Yard - omission of the Loggia building and bleacher seating and installation of decking surface above surface: Revision to Corn Store adjustment to the eastern elevation retention of…”

“The proposed development seeks the reuse of part of the ground floor of The Corn Store as a bar and events venue and, when assessed against the development plan as a whole, is considered acceptable in principle. The site lies within Ashford Town Centre and within the Commercial Quarter, where Policies SP5 and S1 of the Ashford Local Plan 2030 support a flexible mix of uses that contribute to vitality, viability and economic resilience.”

“The proposal accords with Policy SP5 by introducing an active leisure use in a highly accessible town centre location, reinforcing Ashford’s role as a focus for social, cultural and evening economy activity. The development would support increased footfall throughout the year, contributing to the overall vibrancy and sustainability of the Coachworks and wider town centre.”

“The proposal results in the loss of approximately 215 square metres of office floorspace within the Corn Store Hall, which has been used to accommodate small, flexible office tenants. While such office floorspace has the theoretical capacity to support a higher intensity of employment, this potential has not been realised in practice due to the nature of previous occupancy and the current vacancy of the unit.”

“The proposal does not involve the provision of any parking, and the Coachworks currently has no onsite parking. It is not possible to provide onsite parking for this development. No changes are proposed to vehicle access, servicing arrangements or the internal circulation of the site.”

“Change of use of part of the ground floor of The Corn Store from Use Class E(Office) to Sui Generis to allow use as a bar and events venue with changes to fenestration to front elevation.”

“The Planning Officer clarified that, although the application description initially indicated it was part retrospective, discussions with the applicant confirmed that the use had not commenced. Therefore, the application was not retrospective, and the wording would be amended accordingly.”

“Permit Subject to the following Conditions and Notes:”

“Standard Time 2. Approved Plans 3. Materials (in accordance with approved plans) 4. Hours of Operation (08:00 - 01:00) 5. Retention of office space for Class E use on approved proposed floor plan…”