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Shops can finally be transformed into a three-storey block in Tankerton High Street following the departure of the last business owner.
The development on Tankerton Road - approved by Canterbury City Council earlier this year - comprises three commercial units and one office, along with a one-bed apartment on the ground floor and six two-bed apartments above.
Wears Whitstable, a clothing store, was the final shop to vacate the four existing commercial units - three shops and a micropub - to make way for their demolition.
The Tankerton Arms, Strode Park Foundation and Diabetes Charity Shop had all left the site earlier.
Russell Sibley, 49, owner of Wears Whitstable, moved out on Sunday (July 28) and mesh fencing panels were assembled around the buildings this week.
He opened his store in October 2016. But following its closure, he is now searching for a new premises.
Mr Sibley said: “I have always known it was temporary but I had a good run. I have been on the lookout for a new location for a couple of years. I have came to a bit of a crossroads. This is not me closing up - I will continue online and at events.”
The Tankerton Arms closed on March 31, 2018, to reopen three doors along from the old premises. Owner John Moxon described the move as “the best decision” for the business.
He said: “The space is so much bigger. It was getting to the point where people would walk past because there was no room inside. We were told we needed to move out in December 2017. But we were able to organise another three months on the lease.”
The development site has been subject to two previous planning applications - in 2007 and 2015 - which were both granted.
Tankerton Cllr Neil Baker, who has been a critic of the two previous planning applications, said: “I’m certainly a lot happier than I was with the 2015 application which had a rather interesting appearance. And happier than if it was purely residential.
“Shops on the site should be returned, which is great as the traders there do a brilliant job in keeping the area vibrant through their work, and it offers a type of housing that, while not realistically aimed at families, is in demand and adds to the local mixture.
“I’d argue the previous two are worse than the one most recently approved so it’s progress.
“I am confident enough that the most recent permission is about as good as it is going to get.”
Tankerton Arms owner Mr Moxon added: “I think they’re better than the first plans. A lot of our customers objected to the plans because they would lose their watering hole and it wasn’t in keeping with the High Street. It’s now more like what you would see in Tankerton - it’s more house-like.”
'I think they're better than the first plans. It's now more like what you would see in Tankerton it's more house-like' - Tankerton Arms owner John Moxon
Several residents filed comments about the new plans during a consultation period carried out by the council’s planning department. They raised concerns about an increase in congestion, the design of the building and disruption to neighbours and businesses.
One resident, Mr Evans, said: “I do not see why this could not be a refurbishment rather than a demolition. The disruption to the residents and businesses is going to be huge.
“It’s just not needed and there is nothing wrong with what is there. Leave Tankerton High Street alone. You are allowing the area to be ruined by greed.”
Council officers approved the application, saying: “It is considered that the scale, massing, materials, size and design of this building would be in keeping with the varied character of Tankerton Road and whilst more modern in appearance than the directly adjoining properties, there are a number of modern properties along the road.”
In documents published by On Architecture Ltd, the firm expressed a desire to “create a building of high architectural quality, that responds to the local vernacular”.
