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From the
http://www.canterburytimes.co.uk 18 March 2014 By L.Crudgington.
Burned out Bun Penny: Two proposals now put forward
The owners of the derelict Bun Penny have put forward a scheme for it to
be brought back into use.
AFTER waiting years for action on the burnt-out Bun Penny, two proposals
are now being considered for its future.
Councillors were told tonight (Tuesday) that the owners of the former
pub on Herne Bay seafront have submitted pre-application documents with
details of a scheme they hope will bring the building back into use.
And at the same meeting of Herne Bay area members panel, Mike Greenwood
of the newly formed Herne Bay Free School association, said he could use
the building for the community.
Mr Greenwood, warden of the Free School, said: “It is a town heritage
site and it does hit you in the eye.
“If there is no current proposal for bringing it back into use for
the town, not as a Tesco or a Next shop but for community benefit for
societies and groups to use, I would be prepared to submit a draft
outline proposal.
“I would think a quarter of a million pounds would be a ball park
figure to bring it back into serviceable use.”
He said the scheme could be funded with lottery grants and that it
could be managed by the Herne Bay Free School.
Mr Greenwood added: “We would use it as an activities and service
delivery centre.
“If there is something already on the table I will take not one,
five, not 10 but 20 steps backwards. We are not rivals. We have no
interest in competing.”
Councillors were also presented with a 1000-signature petition from
Nigel Hancock of the Bay Independent Retailers Group calling for urgent
action to be taken on the eyesore building.
He said: “It has blighted the town for 30 months and during this time
there has been rumour, counter-rumour, misinformation and information.
“It is one of the top three complaints of members of the group
because it is the first thing coach passengers see when they arrive in
Herne Bay.”
Council regeneration manager Patrick Rynne said it had taken so long
for any action to be taken because the building was privately owned and
the council's powers were limited.
He said: “The owners were in touch with us very actively until 12 or
14 months ago when they were in dispute with their insurers who have
said, for whatever reason, they can't settle the claim.
“The owners said they could not do anything but members asked me to
find out what can be done.
“We have now been in touch with the owners and talking with them and
the owners have put in a pre application today for a scheme they want to
do.”
The news was welcomed by councillors, who said the site was a key
link between the seafront and the town.
West Bay councillor Peter Lee said: “I think it is important we
retain some sort of commercial use such as a pub or a restaurant.
“I don't want to see another faceless block of flats. That will not
be of any benefit to Herne Bay's seafront.”
The panel vowed to monitor progress with regular reports to their
meetings.
No further details of the owners' plans for the Bun Penny were
revealed, and they did not respond to requests for a comment.
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