Mixed-use theatre redevelopment at Winter Gardens, Fort Crescent, Margate

What was proposed

The application proposed changing the theatre to mixed theatre, drama school, nursery, restaurant, bar and cafe use, with extensions and associated works.

“LOCATION: Change of use of Winter Gardens from theatre to mixed use incorporating theatre, drama school, nursery, restaurant/bar and cafe (sui generis use), together with erection of two storey rear extension to north elevation with roof terrace, and access from upper promenade level (including lobby extension and external staircases); erection of single-storey front extension to south elevation; erection of single storey detached office building to north; alterations to…”

Officer report

The site and its condition

The Winter Gardens is a Grade II listed theatre in Margate Conservation Area, closed since August 2022 while its future and condition were considered.

“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.”

Officer report

Earlier consents

Investigative listed-building works were approved in April 2026, followed by listed-building consent for the proposed physical works in August 2026.

“L/TH/26/0181 - Application for Listed Building Consent for proposed internal investigative works including creation of trail pits, opening of ceilings, floors and wall and inspection of building servicing routes Granted - 24 April 2026”

“The listed building application for the proposed works has already been approved by members. This application seeks full planning approval for the proposed external physical works to the building that have been approved under the listed building application, as well as the proposed change of use.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the uses compatible and found that community, social, economic and environmental benefits outweighed modest heritage and parking harm.

“The proposed uses are considered to be compatible, with the submitted circulation plan and proposed layout plan proving that different access points to the uses can be achieved, and the uses separated to ensure public safety with safeguarding conditions are attached to ensure that the proposed nursery can operate without unacceptable disturbance from the operation of the theatre or drama school.”

“On balance, the proposed change of use will result in moderate economic and social benefits from the re-use and expansion of the existing community facility, and whilst there will be some modest harm to highway safety from the lack of parking provision, and to the conservation area from the new pop-up restaurant entrance, overall the proposed works will result in environmental benefits from the visual enhancements to the character and appearance of the conservation area.”

Officer report

What residents said

Three objectors raised concerns about traffic, parking, nursery safety, noise, light, waste, infrastructure, antisocial behaviour and the area’s character.

“Neighbouring occupiers have been notified and a site notice posted. Three individuals have objected to the development raising the following concerns:”

“Increase in traffic, • Increased parking demand - parking impact assessment and management strategy should be sought, • Impact to highway safety from nursery drop off, • Noise and disturbance from roof terrace and other uses, • Suitability of having a nursery on the same site as restaurant, bar cafe uses, and issues regarding safeguarding, noise disturbance, air quality, • Increased light pollution, • Waste management, • Impact on character of the area, • Pressure on…”

Officer report

Who spoke

A speaker spoke in favour, another spoke against, Councillor Duckworth spoke under the council procedure rules, and the Principal Planning Officer outlined the report.

The committee vote

The motion to approve the officer recommendation was agreed by 11 votes, with no votes against and 1 abstention.

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

Minutes