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More on KentOnline
A fresh bid to transform disused storage sheds into a seaside microbrewery is set to be launched - despite planners branding previous proposals for the site “unsustainable and harmful”.
Whitstable Oyster Company boss James Green first unveiled the scheme to move his Maidstone tavern to Reculver Lane, Herne Bay, in January.
Despite claims from the firm that the project would help regenerate the coastline, it was refused by Canterbury City Council.
But a spokesman for the company has this week confirmed it still hopes to go through with the move, adding that it also wants to build an oyster hatchery and visitor centre on the site.
He told KentOnline: “The application will be re-admitted for planning shortly with some alterations aimed at addressing the concerns raised by the planning officer.
"The relocation will create employment and attract more visitors to this important coastal area.”
In its initial plans for the site, the Whitstable Oyster Company wanted to create a tasting area at the drinking hole, which would have allowed visitors to sample freshly brewed beers and take part in tours.
But in their report snubbing the proposals, council officers stated that the authority’s Local Plan steers drinking establishments to town centres.
They added: “This would represent a main town centre use in the countryside.
“Officers consider that the proposal would give rise to an unsustainable and harmful form of development.”
The firm also hoped to create a glamping site, comprising 64 pods and three holiday lets, on a nearby plot of land. But the application was withdrawn following the council’s refusal to give the go-ahead to the microbrewery.
The company spokesman said it is “still committed” to redeveloping the glamping site and its plans for the oyster hatchery and visitor centre.
But the viability of the project is “largely dependent” on the re-location of the brewery to Reculver.
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