Four-storey self-storage facility at 477 Margate Road, Broadstairs

“LOCATION: Erection of 4-storey self-storage facility (Use Class B8) with ancillary office space (Use Class E(g)) and EV Charging Hub, including access and associated works.”

“The site is located within Westwood primary shopping area, and was formerly occupied by the fire station before it relocated to Newington Road in Ramsgate. The former fire station has since been demolished, and the site is now an empty brownfield site that is partially hard surfaced, with a tree lined boundary. The site lies adjacent to the Canterbury Bell restaurant to the north, Tesco to the east, and Tesco petrol station to the south.”

“The proposed development will provide a B8 storage use within an area designated as secondary frontage within the primary shopping area of Westwood, where policy support is only provided for residential or town centre uses. The principle of the development is therefore contrary to Policy E04 of the Thanet Local Plan.”

“On balance, the proposed development will achieve social, environmental and economic benefits that enable the delivery of sustainable development, and it is therefore recommended that Members approve the proposed development as an acceptable departure to Policy E04 of the Thanet Local Plan, subject to safeguarding conditions.”

“In summary, the site is a brownfield site that has been vacant for a long time due to what appears to be limited demand for the commercial uses that would be supported by the secondary frontage policy. Alternative employment sites for the storage use have been considered and discarded, and the proposed use will generate employment directly, and indirectly through the anticipated leasing of the storage units by small businesses.”

“It therefore is considered reasonable that an alternative non-town centre use could be acceptable on this site as a departure to Policy E04 of the Thanet Local Plan, but this would be subject to other material considerations, including the impact upon the character and appearance of the area, neighbouring living conditions, highway safety, contamination and drainage.”

“It was proposed by Councillor Rattigan and seconded by Councillor Britcher:”

“THAT the officer’s recommendation be adopted, namely:”

“Upon being put to the vote, the motion was declared CARRIED.”

“That the application be APPROVED subject to the following conditions:”