Listed building investigations at Winter Gardens, Fort Crescent, Margate

“The application seeks listed building consent for internal investigative works including the creation of trial pits, opening of ceilings, floors and walls, and exposure of foundations for a clearer understanding of the building and the issues.”

“The investigative works will help to inform the design of future full and listed building application proposals for the building.”

“The Winter Gardens is located on Margate Seafront, and is surrounded by the lawn on both sides, the promenade to the north and Fort Crescent to the south. The site lies within Margate Conservation Area, and the building is Grade II Listed. It is a theatre venue that has hosted a number of events, but has been closed since August 2022 whilst options regarding its future have been explored due to concerns over the building's condition and ongoing viability.”

“It is noted that the Theatres Trust and the Council's Conservation Officer all support the scheme and consider the proposed investigative works to be appropriate and necessary. While some of the works are slightly invasive, they are required in order to gain a fuller understanding of the building's condition, and will better inform future repairs, maintenance work, and any changes required to return the historic building to full working order.”

“The application represents the first step in the redevelopment and ultimate re-opening of the Winter Gardens Theatre. As noted above, the development does lead to less than substantial harm to the Grade ll listed theatre. Paragraph 215 of the NPPF requires that less than substantial harm to significance should be weighed against the public (including heritage) benefits of a proposal.”

“The application is brought before members as Thanet District Council own the land. The only consideration in the determination of this application is the impact of the works on the significance of the listed building.”

“Section 16 (2) of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 requires that when 'considering whether to grant listed building consent for any works the local planning authority shall have special regard to the desirability of preserving the building or its setting or any features of special architectural or historic interest which it possesses'.”

“Conservation Officer - Following a review of the submitted application, site visits, and ongoing discussions with the applicants, I consider the proposed investigative works to be entirely appropriate and I support the proposal. While some of the works are slightly invasive, they are necessary to gain a fuller understanding of the building's condition.”

“Theatres Trust - Thank you for consulting Theatres Trust on this application for listed building consent at Margate Winter Gardens. It seeks to undertake investigative works in advance of an anticipated programme of refurbishment and alteration to facilitate its return to use. We have been engaged on this scheme by the applicant; a site visit with a full tour of the building was undertaken in July 2025.”

“1 The works hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.”

“A photographic record will be maintained during investigative works. Should unexpected archaeological remains or historic fabric be encountered, then work shall cease in that area of investigation and specialist archaeological advice sought an appropriate investigation and recording undertaken.”

“Councillor Rusiecki proposed and Councillor Paul Moore seconded that the officer recommendation to approve be AGREED, subject to the following conditions:”

“The Planning Applications Manager advised the Planning Committee that a further condition was proposed by KCC and agreed to by the applicant and it is as detailed below:”