Hospitality venue and training hub at Studio1, Brewery Tap, Folkestone

What was proposed

The application sought retrospective permission for a restaurant and wine bar with hospitality training, mentorship and 25 new employment positions.

“A site location plan is attached to this report as Appendix 1. Proposal 3.1. The application seeks permission retrospectively for the change of use of the ground floor to a use as a restaurant and wine bar, which is considered a sui generis use class. The applicant has also stated that they would offer training and mentorship for young people into the hospitality industry, with the creation of 25 new employment positions (a mix of full-time and part-time).”

Officer report

The site

The former public house is in Folkestone’s town centre and settlement boundary, within the Folkestone Leas and Bayle conservation area.

“The application site, a former public house from the Victorian era, is within both the defined settlement boundary and defined Town Centre of Folkestone, as well as the Folkestone Leas and Bayle conservation area.”

“The property fronts onto Tontine Street, with secondary access from the rear from Mill Bay. To the southeast is the open area of the Memorial Garden and beyond that, 51 Tontine Street which is a café, and The Quarterhouse, which functions as an art and entertainment venue. To the rear, on the opposite side of Mill Bay, is the Glassworks, which operates as a ‘digital hub’ office space.”

Officer report

Earlier uses and permissions

The building previously had pub, restaurant, artist studio, residential and educational or community uses authorised through earlier permissions.

“The building itself is a former public house, which in 2008 was extensively renovated and extended, whilst retaining the attractive glazed-tile frontage and securing a mixed A3/A4 use at ground and first floor, with residential accommodation at second floor level. In 2010, the first-floor use was subsequently changed to allow three artist studios at first floor, within class B1(a), whilst retaining the residential accommodation on the second floor above.”

“Approved with conditions Y10/0131/SH Change of use of first floor from restaurant/pub (Class A3/A4 use) to artist’s studio accommodation (Class B1 use) - amendment to scheme granted permission under reference Y08/0891/SH.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Folkestone Town Council objected over training details and loss of community space, while Environmental Health and Southern Water raised no objection and neighbours made no representations.

“DC/25/40 Folkestone Town Council: Object. Lack of detail on educational and training provision. Loss of a community space for young artists.”

“Southern Water: No objection. Details of foul & surface water to be provided prior to commencement of development…”

Officer report

Advice to the committee

The Principal Planning Officer advised that the red line boundary and certificate referred to in the report had been received.

The decision

Planning permission was granted subject to the report’s 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