Covered cafe seating at The Old Stable Hartsdown Park, Margate

“LOCATION: Erection of a canopy structure to facilitate creation of covered seating area used in association with existing cafe (Retrospective)”

“This application seeks retrospective planning permission for the erection of a canopy structure to facilitate the creation of covered seating area used in association with existing cafe. The canopy is attached to the eastern side of the cafe, and is constructed of softwood with a corrugated roof. It measures approximately 2.8m in width, 4m in depth, and has a maximum height of 3m.”

“The application site comprises land immediately adjacent to the cafe at Hartsdown Park in Margate. The cafe is located in a former stable block, with the remainder of the building used for storage and office space. The site lies adjacent to an informal playspace within the park to the south, Hartsdown Leisure Centre to the east and Manor House nursery to the west.”

“F/TH/19/0223 - Change of use of existing storage building to coffee shop (use class A1), and installation of timber bi-folding doors behind existing refurbished stable doors in north-east elevation - Granted 20.06.2019”

“The application site forms part of Hartsdown Park, and as such is protected by policy SP32 of the Thanet Local Plan, which relates to the protection of open space and allotments. The canopy is located partly under the crown of a large tree on an area of existing hardstanding, which lies to the east of the application site, and as such does not form part of the large area of open space to the east.”

“The application would support the on-going function of the cafe facility by providing additional seating for customers. It does not result in the loss of any usable open space at the park and the design of the canopy is acceptable. The use of the outdoor seating area would not result in any harm to neighbouring amenity.”

“TDC Environmental Health: The proposal creates an outside seating area. In order to prevent sound transmission the following condition should be applied:”

“No amplified sound or music shall be played in the canopied area.”

“Councillor Rusiecki proposed and Councillor Rattigan seconded that the officer recommendation for approval be agreed, subject to the following conditions:”

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