Public house and seven flats at The Levin Club, Romney Marsh, St Mary's Bay

What was proposed

The scheme would demolish the existing building and provide a public house, seven flats, parking, landscaping, and cycle and bin storage.

“DC/26/04 3. Proposal 3.1. Full planning permission is sought for demolition of the existing building and erection of a public house with seven residential flats above, with associated parking, landscaping, and cycle and bin store. The scheme has been completely redesigned since original submission, in response to comments from planning officers. 3.3.”

“External materials would comprise facing brick and horizontal or vertical cladding, arranged to reinforce the legibility of the individual bays, with concrete or artificial slate roof tiles. Windows, external doors, and rainwater goods are proposed to be uPVC. 3.5.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The existing club occupies a corner plot within the settlement boundary, surrounded mainly by residential properties and served by private roads.

“The Levin Club is a detached building situated within the defined settlement boundary of St Mary’s Bay. It occupies a corner plot at the junction of Seaway Crescent and Jefferstone Lane and is set back from the road with unallocated parking (15-20 spaces) provided on an area of hardstanding wrapping around the the northern (front) and western sides of the site.”

“The surrounding area is predominantly residential in character and is characterised by a mixture of bungalows and two-storey dwellings of varying ages, types, and designs. Seaway Crescent and Jefferstone Lane are private roads, currently in a poor state of repair.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Two earlier applications for residential development after demolishing the private members club were refused.

“Y08/0886/SH Erection of five three-storey dwellings with integral garages and associated parking, vehicle access points and landscaping, following demolition of existing private members club (Resubmission of application of Y07/1519/SH). Refused…”

Officer report

What consultees and residents said

The parish council raised concerns, highways identified a parking shortfall, and residents objected to highways, amenity, design, overdevelopment and construction impacts while others supported the community facility.

“St Mary in the Marsh Parish Council: raise concern in regards the impact on neighbouring properties and the impact on local infrastructure.”

“Highway safety and amenity • Impact on residential amenity (privacy, overlooking, overshadowing, loss of light, loss of outlook, noise from use of club/music, etc.) • Scale, design, and visual amenity • Overdevelopment of the site • Impact of construction activities…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent spoke in support of the application.

What members heard

The Principal Planning Officer clarified that Jefferstone Lane is public, while Seaway Road and Seaway Crescent are private.

“The Principal Planning Officer advised the Committee of an error on page 12 of the report pack, confirming that Jefferstone Lane is a public highway and Seaway Road and Seaway Crescent are private roads.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

Planning permission was granted subject to the stated conditions, with delegated authority to finalise their wording and add necessary conditions.

“That planning permission be granted subject to the conditions set out at the end of the report and that delegated authority be given to the Chief Planning Officer to agree and finalise the wording of the conditions and add any other conditions that he considers necessary.”

Minutes