Takeaway and retail unit at Foodies Emporium, Headcorn

The site and surroundings

The vacant single-storey building is in Headcorn’s district and rural service centres, near commercial and residential uses, with much of the site in a conservation area.

“The vacant application building is located on the east side of North Street. The building is single storey with a mezzanine over part of the ground floor in a pitched roof. The site is in Headcorn District Centre and Headcorn Rural Service Centre.”

“Nearby uses on North Street are a mix of commercial and residential uses. At the rear of the application site is a two storey detached residential dwelling called Kings Lodge and a two storey the development of retirement accommodation called Culpepper Court.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Earlier permissions covered alterations to the building and a rear extension, while nearby residential and retail development was allowed on appeal after a committee refusal.

“05/0018 Erection of a rear extension to provide further retail display area and office accommodation. Permission granted.”

“- Appeal made against the council refusal of planning permission allowed and planning permission granted (NB: the detached dwelling ‘Kings Lodge’ was approved as part of this appeal and this is the closest property to the current application site).”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the location sustainable, the building suitable for reuse, and the effects on heritage, neighbours, highways and parking acceptable with conditions.

“Building in a sustainable centre location with benefits from linked vehicle trips. • Proximity to the high street in terms of existing noise and activity, existing uses with similar opening hours and car parking. • Proposal will bring a vacant retail and restaurant building back into use. • Building could be used as an unrestricted restaurant without planning permission.”

“RECOMMENDATION: GRANT PLANNING PERMISSION subject to the following conditions with delegated powers to the Head of Planning and Development to be able to settle or amend any necessary planning conditions and/or informatives in line with the matters set out in the recommendation and as resolved by the Planning Committee:”

Officer report

Who spoke at the meeting

A Headcorn Parish Council councillor and a representative for the applicant addressed the committee.

The vote and decision

The committee granted permission subject to the report’s conditions as amended, added a bat tube condition, and approved delegated powers for final conditions.

“That permission be granted subject to the conditions set out in the report, as amended by the urgent update report, with:”

“That the Head of Planning and Economic Development be given delegated powers to be able to settle or amend any necessary planning conditions and/or informatives in line with the matters set out in the recommendation and as resolved by the Planning Committee.”

Minutes