Creative workspace and community uses at 2 - 12 Harold Road, Margate

What was proposed

The application sought flexible commercial, learning, community and industrial uses, with timber structures, alterations, fencing, roof balustrading and three storage containers.

“LOCATION: Change of use from Industrial (Use Class B2) to flexible use (Use Class E(a), E(b), E(d), E(g)(i), E(g)(ii), E(g)(iii), F1(a), F1(b), F1(e), F2(b), and B2), together with erection of 1no gable timber structure to front elevation and 1no free standing gable timber structure, replacement of windows and doors, insertion of new window/door to replace shutter, installation of balustrading to roof for maintenance purposes, installation of 1.8m high timber fence to front…”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The existing garage site contains several buildings and a hard-surfaced forecourt, surrounded by residential development and near two conservation areas.

“The site is located within the northern end of Harold Road, and lies just outside of the Clifftop Conservation Area (located to the north of the site), and the Norfolk Road Conservation Area (to the east of the site). The site lies within the Cliftonville Development Plan Area, and is surrounded by existing residential development of 2-4 storey in height.”

“The site has a commercial use as a garage, and contains a mix of buildings, including 2-storey pitched roof buildings, large warehouse style pitched roof buildings of a 2-storey height, and flat roof single storey buildings. The buildings extend up to the southern, eastern and part of the northern boundary of the site. The north western area of the site provides a large open hard surfaced forecourt area to serve the garage.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Earlier housing proposals were withdrawn or refused before a larger residential scheme was allowed on appeal and remained extant.

“F/TH/21/0688 - Erection of a four storey building containing 26No. 2 bed flats and 8No. 3 bed flats and erection of 3No. 3 storey 4 bed terraced houses, with associated parking, access and landscaping works following demolition of the existing commercial buildings Refused - 21 July 2022 Allowed on Appeal - 31 July 2023”

“F/TH/20/0802 - Erection of part 5 storey, part 4 storey building including accommodation in roof space containing 41No. 1, 2 and 3 bed flats together with 4No. 3 storey 4 bed terraced houses with associated parking, access and landscaping following demolition of existing commercial buildings Withdrawn - 21st October 2020”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the scheme’s social and economic benefits outweighed moderate housing-supply harm and parking-related highway harm.

“The site lies on land allocated for housing under Policy HO1 of the Thanet Local Plan for 10no. dwellings, for which there is an extant planning permission for a residential development of 37no. units.”

“On balance, the proposal will result in the loss of 10no. units from the Council's housing supply, which is afforded moderate harm; and a significant impact to local parking conditions resulting in detriment to highway safety. However, the site is sustainably located, and harm from a lack of parking provision would be mitigated through a good quality travel plan, secured by a planning condition, that promotes and induces sustainable travel.”

Officer report

Residents’ concerns

Five objections raised concerns about noise and disturbance from 24-hour operation and uncertainty about the shipping containers’ use.

“Neighbouring occupiers have been notified and a site notice posted. Five letters of objection have been received raising the following concerns:”

“- 24 hour operation would result in noise and disturbance for neighbouring occupiers, - Not clear what the shipping containers will be used for.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent spoke in favour of the application, and the Principal Planning Officer outlined the proposal and assessment.

The decision

“, Subject to the following conditions: 3 1 The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission. GROUND: In accordance with Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended by Section 51 of the Planning and Purchase Act 2004). 2 The development hereby approved shall be carried out in accordance with the submitted revised drawings numbered 25001-IFDO-XXXX- XXXX-DR-AR-20001 Rev D, 25001-IFDO-XXXX-XXXX-DR-AR-20100 Rev D, and 25001-IFDO-XXXX- XXXX-DR-AR-02300 Rev F, received 11 May 2026; and revised drawings numbered 25001-IFDO-XXXX- XXXX-DR-AR-20102 Rev C, 25001-IFDO- XXXX-XXXX-DR-AR-20101 Rev C, 25001-IFDO- XXXX-XXXX-DR-AR-02301 Rev D, 25001-IFDO-XXXX-XXXX-DR-AR-20201 Rev B, and 25001-IFDO- XXXX-XXXX-DR-AR-20202 Rev B, received 24 April 2026. GROUND: To secure the proper develo”

Minutes, 20 May 2026