Kiosk canopies at Kiosk King George Vi Memorial Park, Ramsgate

Summary of planning committee decision

Decided by Thanet Planning Committee on 18 Mar 2026.

F/TH/26/0006Approved

What was proposed

The application proposed a front canopy and retention of a partly built side canopy, both using polycarbonate and steel.

“The proposal is for the installation of a monopitch canopy to the south side elevation of the kiosk, which has been partially constructed and consists of a timber frame and polycarbonate sheeting for the roof. It measures approximately 2.8 metres in width and 4.75 metres in depth. The structure is to offer a covered seating area for customers.”

“A front canopy over the service area is also proposed in the same materials, which would provide shelter for customers waiting to order at the service hatch. It would cover the entire front elevation of the kiosk and project forward to cover the raised platform and access steps either side.”

Officer report

The site

The kiosk is a single-storey café beside the southern entrance to a park, with picnic benches, a platform and access steps.

“The Kiosk is a detached single storey structure with a flat roof and a service hatch to the front elevation. It is located towards the southern entrance to King George VI Memorial Park, and operates as a café with picnic benches surrounding the structure for customer use. Due to the sloping ground level, the kiosk has a brick and concrete platform to the front elevation, with steps either side for access.”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval because the canopies would be appropriately scaled, visually suitable, support recreation and avoid harm to open space or neighbours.

“Policy SP32 states that loss of protected open space or allotments is only permitted if: 1) for open space, it supports open recreation/tourism, is appropriately scaled and designed, and minimises built development; or 2) for both, there is an overriding, unlocatable need, and equivalent replacement provision is made nearby; or 3) an assessment shows the space is no longer required; and 4) there is no material harm to visual/recreational amenity.”

“The proposed canopies are ancillary structures that directly support the existing café use within the park, which itself supports the recreational enjoyment of this open space. The additions are appropriately scaled and designed for their purpose, being lightweight and subordinate to the existing kiosk. They minimise additional built development, being open- sided structures rather than enclosed buildings, and would not result in the loss of usable open space.”

Officer report

Consultation and representations

Neighbouring occupiers were notified and a site notice was posted, but no representations were received and there were no consultations.

“Neighbouring occupiers have been notified and a site notice posted. No representations have been received.”

Officer report

Why the design was acceptable

The lightweight, open-sided canopies were considered subordinate to the kiosk and would not harm the park’s appearance, openness, recreational use or neighbouring living conditions.

“Given the park setting and the functional character of the existing kiosk, the proposed canopies are not considered to appear incongruous or intrusive. The lightweight materials and modest scale ensure that the additions read as subordinate elements to the host building. The canopies will support the café use by providing covered areas for customers, which is consistent with the recreational function of the park and would enhance the visitor experience.”

Officer report

The committee vote

A motion to approve the officer recommendation and conditions was proposed, seconded and agreed, with 11 votes recorded.

“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.”

Minutes

The decision

The application was approved subject to drawings and construction-material conditions.

“The development hereby approved shall be carried out in accordance with the submitted drawings numbered BDG 1419, received 2 January 2026.”

Minutes

Councillors at the meeting

Also attending Abi Smith Green

Source: Plota analysis of the council's minutes; parties from the council's list of councillors.

Sources

  • Thanet Planning Committee minutes, 18 March 2026
  • Agenda and papers (council website)

Source: Plota analysis of Thanet's committee minutes and officer report. Quotations are the council's own words; headings and summaries are Plota's.

Committee decisions and nationwide planning applications, in one API

The Plota API returns planning applications from every council we cover, each with its decision, whether a committee or officers decided it, and the committee date. Build it into your own tools.

See the API →

At the meeting

Council
Thanet
Date
Wednesday 18 March 2026
Recommendation
Officers recommended approval
Committee decided
Approved
Councillors
13Labour 8Conservative 3Green 2Show councillors
Minutes
The council's minutes
Meeting
Agenda and papers (council website)

This committee's year

72 decisions in the 12 months to this meeting, 2 against officer advice.

Source: Plota analysis of the committee's minutes.

Every decision by this council's committees →