Themed entertainment bar at 65 - 67 St Johns Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells

“The application site relates to 65 – 67 St Johns Road, a three storey mid-terraced building situated on the western side of St Johns Road, located within the Limits to Built Development. The building is of brick construction, comprising of a double fronted commercial unit at ground floor level, two flats at first and second floor levels and one flat at third floor within the roof space. Immediately to the rear of the site is John Street Car Park.”

“This application is seeking permission for the change of use of the ground floor double unit from a beauty salon/training school to an entertainment bar/establishment. The proposed use is also considered to be a Sui Generis, therefore requiring planning permission. Internal alterations are proposed, but no external changes are proposed within this application.”

“Construction of 3 new retail units and 5 new flats, resurfacing and improvement works to existing car park (amendments to scheme approved under 14/506666/REM). Granted 29/02/16 18/01493/FULL Variation of Condition 6 (Air Quality Mitigation) of planning consent 15/510585/FULL (Construction of 3 new retail units and 5 new flats, resurfacing and improvement works to existing car park (amendments to scheme previously approved under 14/506666/REM)) - Replacement of approved Air…”

“Amalgamation of retail units and change of use to beauty salon / beauty training school (Sui Generis) Granted 12/08/21”

“In this instance, this application seeks a sui generis use for the unit as a themed entertainment bar venue, including interactive games such as ping-pong tables and interactive clay pigeon shooting simulators, karaoke booths and a retro-themed bar area. The proposal is considered compatible with the commercial uses of the surrounding area as there are other similar establishments in the vicinity.”

“Environmental Protection (EP) have objected to the application on the grounds of potential noise impact to nearby residents. Any noise impacts would primarily affect the residential flats on the first and second floors of this and the adjacent building. The severity of any impact depends on the sound levels and proposed mitigation (if any).”

“MidKent Environmental Health – 07/01/2026 Noise: The application site is in combined residential/commercial use and there is a potential for noise to impact nearby residents depending on the sound levels/proposed mitigation. Further detail is sought to ensure noise levels in the residential dwellings remain suitable prior to determination. A site-specific noise assessment should be submitted.”

“Recommend refusal until a suitable noise assessment has been provided and approved.”

“- Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, as owners of the flats above the site were aware of this application and had communicated a response back to Officers, raising no concerns. - The tenants of the properties had not been directly made aware of the application, however public notices had been displayed with relevant information. - The application was deemed to fit into the existing commercial use of the area which included restaurants and bars.”

“- Whilst any addition of hospitality establishments for the area was welcomed, Members were minded to await the outcome of the noise assessment before progressing further. - It was felt that the Council, as freeholders of the properties above the site, should be actively engaging with tenants to ensure their views were considered. - Officers clarified that a noise assessment had been received and submitted to Environmental Health for their comments.”

“Decision/voting – On the basis that members were satisfied that all relevant planning considerations had been covered within the report, a motion was proposed by Councillor Pound, seconded by Councillor Pitts and a vote was taken to approve the application in line with the officer recommendation.”

“RESOLVED – That delegated powers be given to grant planning permission for application PLA268/25, subject to the resolution of noise impact matters to the satisfaction of the Head of Planning Services and subject to planning conditions.”