Glazed office screens at 27 The Pantiles, Royal Tunbridge Wells

What was proposed

The application sought listed building consent for completed internal basement works creating a separate office and meeting room area, with glazed screens and a door.

“The proposal is for internal works in the basement to create a separate office and meeting room area. These relate to the construction of a full height glazed screen & door and a half height screen. No external works are involved.”

Officer report

The site

The application site was a three-storey building in a terrace, with the ground floor and basement in office use, and was a Grade II listed building.

“27 The Pantiles is a three-storey building within a terrace which is accessed from the Pantiles Lower Walk. The ground floor and basement, to which this application relates, is in Class E (office) use. The listing description is as follows;”

“PLANNING CONSTRAINTS Grade II Listed Building – Statutory duty to have special regard to the desirability of preserving the building or its setting or any features of special architectural or historic interest which it possesses under the Planning (Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas) Act 1990”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier listed building and planning applications for works at the property were granted in 1998 and 2011.

“Listed Building Consent / Planning Permission: To retain installation of new boiler with new external flue in new location already carried out (27B The Pantiles) Granted 25/10/2011 98/01656/LBC”

“Listed Building Consent - Internal alterations to re-instate the premises to two separate shops (25-29 The Pantiles) Granted 09/11/1998”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval because the screens and door did not alter historic fabric, were removable, and caused no identified harm to the listed building’s significance.

“The screens and door have been inserted between the existing structure and do not alter the historic fabric of the building. No cornice, skirting or architrave have been cut to permit the installation - instead the screens pass over the skirtings. As such they can be removed when required.”

“Conservation and Urban Design have raised no objections, as the works sustain the significance of the listed building as no harmful impact has been identified. As a result, the application complies with the key tests set out in the NPPF and the Listed Buildings and Conservation Act, and no harm has been identified to the listed buildings significance. It is therefore recommended that listed building consent is approved.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

No public comments were received, while Conservation and Urban Design raised no objection because the works had not affected historic fabric and were temporary and reversible.

“Two site notices were displayed outside the building on 23 rd December 2025. The application was also publicised in the Kent Messenger. No comments have been received.”

“Conservation and Urban Design (12.01.2026) There has been no impact on historic fabric. The works as existing are temporary and reversible. No objection.”

Officer report

Who spoke

No speakers registered, and the application was presented by the planning officer with a visual presentation.

Committee discussion

Members noted the works were retrospective and were satisfied that they had caused no damage or change to the building’s appearance and were reversible.

“- The current owners of the property had conducted the works as part of their leasehold ownership. - Members were mindful that the application was retrospective. Officers were understanding of this however reiterated the application needed to be determined at the point in which it was received.”

“- Members were satisfied that the works had not caused damage or change to the appearance of the building and works that had taken place were reversible.”

Minutes

The vote

Members voted unanimously in favour of approving the application in line with the officer recommendation.

“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 Britcher-Allan, seconded by Councillor Johnson and a vote was taken to approve the application in line with the officer recommendation.”

Minutes

The decision

The application was granted subject to the plans, conditions and informatives set out in the agenda report.

“RESOLVED – That application PLA269/25 be granted subject to the plans, conditions and informatives as set out in the agenda report.”

Minutes