A bid to transform a historic pub overlooking the sea into housing has been rejected.

The Grade-II listed The Britannia in Margate was earmarked for four three-bedroom flats and a rear extension but it was claimed the argument it needs to be turned into housing “just doesn’t work here”.

The once-beloved boozer dates back nearly 200 years and has been closed since January 2020, with its former landlords citing rising costs behind the decision to quit.

But when the scheme went before councillors at Thanet District Council (TDC), they voted to overthrow the flats development.

One member said prospective landlords looking to take over the pub had been put off by “what appears to be an inflated price tag”.

The conversion plans received a mixed bag of responses after being unveiled last year.

Applicants Acme Lettings said conversion was necessary due to the pub's “non-viability”.

“The decline of the pub as a community facility is highlighted by the closure of another local pub, together with many other pubs within the area, mostly due to the non-viability of running them.”

However, this was questioned at the planning meeting last Thursday by Thanet Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) member, Julian Stone.

He said: “There is an assertion that The Britannia will now and forever be unviable as a business. This has to be refuted, given its proximity to the Turner Gallery and other Margate attractions.

“This proposed permanent loss of The Britannia removes a little part of the publicly accessible heritage of Thanet.

“To those who think that a new micropub or a bar opening somewhere can replace this historic building, all I can say is that such a replacement would be a poor one.”

Cllr Sam Bambridge (Con) also questioned the lack of viability surrounding The Britannia.

She said: “As a councillor, I have been approached by numerous parties that have put in offers for the Britannia to continue its use as a public house for the local community and have been deterred by what appears to be an inflated price tag designed to deter potential buyers for the building.

“The argument of a housing shortage just doesn't work here. There are plans for housing everywhere, including many newly built flats behind the Britannia itself.

“The historic, much cherished Britannia, is one of the best-placed venues in Margate. We should be proud of it and protect it.

“The last thing we need is a small number of flats to benefit the few who can afford them.”

The original plans for the pub site also included two semi-detached cottages in the former beer garden.

However, the buildings were removed from the plans, with TDC’s conservation officer labelling them “inappropriate” and “ultimately causing harm to the primary listed property”.

Ward councillor for Margate Central, Rob Yates (Lab) also said he knew residents who had expressed interest in taking over The Britannia and added that “it was the perfect place for a pub”.

Cllr Rebecca Wing (Green) acknowledged what could be possible at the site if it was allowed to get back on its feet.

She said: “I can't understand why we are allowing this listed building to be butchered.

“There isn't another pub in the area, and it seems it has been left to rot since lockdown.

“We can liken this to the Royal Victoria Pavillion in Ramsgate, the listed building that has been turned into a magnificent venue enjoyed by many people. This probably has similar potential.”

The Britannia’s history dates back to 1828, and it previously gained national headlines for its £1 roast dinners.

The application was refused unanimously, based on losing a community facility without sufficient justification or adequate alternative provision.

The vote followed warnings by planning officers that the decision could be taken to appeal.