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Ambitious plans to open a rooftop restaurant on one of Canterbury's ugliest buildings have been pulled after failing to win the backing of planning officers.
A "lightweight glass box" was proposed to be built on top of Newingate House in Lower Bridge Street, with an entertainment venue on lower floors offering indoor crazy golf.
But the Girne American University, which owns the five-storey office block, has this week withdrawn the proposals and taken aim at council officers who were set to recommend the project be refused permission.
The authority says the project would result in the loss of too much commercial space, despite many offices in the building remaining empty for years.
It also argues a rooftop restaurant is probably better suited for within the cofines of the city walls. But the owners state no other city building can rival Newingate House’s panoramic views of the Cathedral.
A spokesman said: “By effectively constraining restaurants within the city walls, the policy imposed doesn’t take account of the views of the Cathedral from the elevated position, which are not possible within the city walls and would be hugely attractive to visitors and residents.
“By transforming the use of one of the city’s ugliest buildings it would have reinvigorated the area - making it more attractive to business and residents.
"Unfortunately, the project is now delayed while we challenge the position adopted by the council.”
Under the proposals, the lower floors of Newingate House would have been temporarily converted into a venue offering activities including darts and table tennis.
The entertainment space would have been subject to a one-year renewable licence before it was then transformed into more offices.
But, despite the building’s current occupancy being just 20%, council officers have criticised the amount of commercial space lost as a result of the refurbishment.
Developers say the loss of space would only be 9% and argue the renovation would attract new tenants due to improved IT capabilities.
“We accept there is a loss of office space,” a spokesman said.
“However, it is important to recognise that the current building is not fit for the needs of a modern office-based company.
“A large part of the loss of space comes from installing a lift, wheelchair ramps and staircase making the five-storey building fully accessible and compliant for those with disabilities.
“We will now work with our project team and decide how best to proceed.”
Council spokesman Rob Davies says the plans lacked detailed information, adding that the proposal had received criticism from city groups.
“There are, however, obvious potential benefits in revitalising this site.
"We have been in contact with the agent to try and have a constructive discussion to review their scheme,” he said.
