External ramp and stairs at Kent Probation Service, Margate

“The application seeks to vary condition 2 of planning permission F/TH/25/0626 for the 'Change of use from office use (Use Class E) to short-term residential support centre (Sui Generis) providing 8no.”

“The original application granted permission for the reconfiguration of the existing steps at the front of the building and the installation of a platform lift. This lift was required as the existing ramp is not compliant with Building Regulations. This application seeks to demolish the existing ramped access and erect a new ramped access. This will negate the need for the approved platform lift, and as such this lift has been removed from the scheme.”

“The application site comprises a single storey building located on the eastern side of Grosvenor Place, along with an area of hardstanding to the north west. The site is located centrally within Margate. The building was previously in use by the Probation Service, however they relocated in 2023 and the building has stood empty since this time.”

“The surrounding area is mainly residential in character, with terraced dwellings to the south, and a large empty building immediately to the north, which was also previously used by the Probation Service. To the rear of the site is an alley, and beyond that are properties within the High Street. To the west of the site, on the opposite side of Grosvenor Place are several garages, associated with properties located on Eaton Road to the west.”

“CON/TH/25/1053 - Application for approval of Condition 3 (Foul/Surface Water Drainage) attached to Planning Permission F/TH/25/0626 for the change of use from office use (Use Class E) to short-term residential support centre (Sui Generis) providing 8no. bedrooms, shared kitchen, bathroom and laundry facilities, management office, replacement windows, doors and external alterations, with supporting landscaping and infrastructure - Granted 03.11.2025”

“This permission has been implemented and works have begun to convert the building. Internal works have begun, along with the removal of the pebbledash on the exterior of the building.”

“It is not considered that the amended proposal will result in significant material harm to the local highway network or highway safety, and will therefore be in accordance with Policy TP06 of the Thanet Local Plan and the NPPF.”

“On the basis of the above, the changes to the approved scheme are considered to be acceptable and do not result in any unacceptable harm to neighbouring or visual amenity, or the surrounding Conservation Area and listed buildings. The proposal is therefore considered to comply with the Thanet Local Plan and the NPPF, and it is recommended that Members approve the application, subject to safeguarding conditions.”

“KCC Ecology: We have reviewed the submitted information, and we are satisfied that the proposed amendment does not impact the information we provided within our advice note for application F/TH/25/0626. We advise that conditions recommended for previous application are still valid for this submission.”

“Further to my previous comments, the applicant has submitted plans and drawings demonstrating the extent of their land ownership, which I am content to accept. Having reviewed google images, I note that off street parking used to take place outside this property. With the changes proposed, this will be prevented from happening. As such the dropped kerb in front of this property should be reinstated to full height kerbing.”

“Letters were sent to the neighbouring occupiers, a site notice was posted near the site and the application was advertised in the local press. No representations were received.”

“Cllr Rusiecki proposed and Cllr Matterface seconded to APPROVE the officer recommendation, Subject to the following conditions:”

“When put to the vote the motion was AGREED.”