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More on KentOnline
A new seafood restaurant could be opened in a disused public shelter on a popular beach.
Plans were submitted to Thanet District Council by Justin van Oortmerssen to open the new food spot next to the Funicular Coffeehouse, which he owns, on Viking Bay in Broadstairs.
In a planning statement to the local authority he says the derelict shelter and old Funicular lift entrance is a magnet for antisocial behaviour and an eyesore, having been left exposed to the elements for decades with no maintenance.
He says the new restaurant, if built, would boost employment and spending, as well as reduce antisocial behaviour at the site.
The two-storey development would include a yoga space on the first floor and include 14 outdoor picnic-style benches outside.
He is asking that the council permanently removes the 18 beach huts in front of the entire premises if plans are approved.
"In their stead the positioning of benches will create seating which is sorely lacking on Viking Bay," he said in the planning document.
"It would create a destination which will increase visitor numbers to the town..." Justin van Oortmerssen
"The precedent has already been set by the Kent Surf School for the removal of beach huts from in front of business premises, and more recently, the Funicular Coffeehouse.
"It is expected that the council would understand that a development of this scale is only financially viable if the beach huts are removed from in front of the entire premises."
He says the restaurant and yoga space would provide employment for at least 15 people and that both establishments would open all year round.
Mr van Oortmerssen says Viking Bay is in need of new food establishments which cater for those who prefer healthier food choices and activities that promote well-being, and that the business would 'significantly increase' the amount of higher spending visitors.
"(It would) subsequently create a destination which will increase visitor numbers to the town," he added.
In his planning statement he also refers to the antisocial behaviour which happens at the shelter.
"The site is being used as a toilet and a gathering point for drug users, as well as open fires and obscene graffiti, despite the CCTV introduced as a deterrent.
"The smell of human faeces and urine combined with that of marijuana is not a good attraction for tourists at Viking Bay and does not contribute to the seaside experience that is expected by visitors.
"In addition, the antisocial behaviour makes the running of a food establishment directly adjacent to this area extremely difficult."
In the planning document, he states the disused shelter and derelict Funicular station are considered non designated heritage assets and that the proposed construction would be sensitive to the conservation area in which they sit.
The proposed building would also incorporate the existing Victorian pillars.
To see the full plans and comment click here.
Visit the planning section at www.thanet.gov.uk and search F/TH/19/1572 to see plans.
