Creative studios at Windmill House, The Avenue, Margate

What was proposed

The retrospective proposal changes the existing commercial use to creative studios for photography, film production, artists, music recording and storage.

“LOCATION: Change of use from commercial to creative studios including photography, film production, artist studios, music recording / production and storage (Use Class E) (Retrospective)”

Officer report

The site

The site is an urban building divided into units, with a rear yard containing containers, a shed and other structures.

“The site lies within the urban confines, within the town of Margate in a sustainable location, and currently comprises a large building which is split into separate units together with the associated yard area to the rear containing various structures including containers, timber shed. The site is accessed from Addiscombe Road between numbers 52 and 62A which leads down The Avenue, about three quarters of the way down there is access to the site on the right hand side.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because employment benefits outweighed the limited housing contribution and conditions addressed noise concerns.

“The Council still doesn't have a 5-year housing land supply, as was the situation at the time of the determined appeal. The Inspector considered the site's potential for housing is limited (estimated 4-5 dwellings, instead of 10 identified in the Local Plan) due to fragmented ownership and lack of extant permission, there is no reason for officers to differ from this viewpoint as the site dimensions or ownership has not altered.”

“The economic benefits derived from the employment use of the site are considered to outweigh the minor contribution the site could make toward addressing the Council's housing shortfall. This aligns with the Inspector's conclusion, with which there is no reason to disagree.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Environmental Health withdrew its objection subject to noise controls, while Highways suggested informatives and made no substantive objection.

“KCC Highways: This is a non-protocol application. Informatives suggested.”

“TDC Environmental Health: Final comments I have reviewed the agent and acoustic consultant's response and consider that with several conditions as proposed will be sufficient safeguarding for the E class use to prevent future issues and therefore withdraw my objection.”

Officer report

Comments from neighbours

Letters were sent to neighbouring occupiers and a site notice was posted, but no representations were received.

“Letters were sent to the neighbouring occupiers and a site notice was posted near the site. No representations have been received.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant spoke in favour of the application, and the Principal Planning Officer outlined the report.

The decision

The application was approved subject to conditions limiting music levels, activities, opening hours, external noise and requiring the Noise Management Plan.

“6 The use of the premises hereby approved shall not be used other than between the hours of 0900-1800 hours.”

“7 The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in full accordance with the submitted Noise Management Plan (May 2026) including management responsibilities, complaint procedures and monitoring arrangements.”

Minutes