The first hurdle to transform the former town courthouse into a pub has been jumped.

Wetherspoon’s change of use planning application for the building in Park Road, Sittingbourne, has been approved by Swale council.

It was passed despite ward member Cllr Sylvia Bennett (Con) urging members to go against officers’ recommendations.

She said: “I can see a great problem with people using Park Road to park in.

"The entrance and exit will be opposite The Ypres Tavern and in close proximity to The Vineyard, which itself has permission to be open until 1am Fridays and Saturdays.

“Wetherspoon is proposing to open until 1.30am, Thursday to Saturday.
"We are likely to have people congregating in that area until perhaps 2am.

“The landlord and landlady living in the flat above The Ypres Tavern will take the full impact of activity in the early hours.

“I don’t have a problem with Wetherspoon. What I do have is a problem with where it will be.”

Cllr Roger Truelove (Lab) said the decision should be deferred as it was almost 11pm by the time members discussed the item.

He said: “We’ve been here for nearly four hours and if we judged the importance of applications on the number of people we feel is being affected, it’s probably the most important item of the evening.

"I think it’s unfortunate Cllr Bennett couldn’t complete her speech because we’re all concerned about going home.

“This is basically extending the nightlife up the High Street to a residential area.”

Cllr Tony Winckless (Lab) said he feared the building could be demolished if plans were turned down.

Cllr Colin Prescott (Con) said: “We’ve got to remember they’ve got to get their licence before they can trade and when it comes to the hours the licensing committee will decide on it, not us.”

Cllr Tony Winckless (Lab) said he feared the building could be demolished if plans were turned down.

Cllr Mike Henderson (Lib Dem) proposed limiting the opening hours from 7am to midnight from Sunday to Saturday, but it was not agreed.

In the end the application was approved with eight in favour and seven against.