From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Daniel Esson, 14 November 2025.

Plans to convert Trafalgar Pub and Hotel in Rushenden Road, Queenborough, Sheppey, into homes sent to Swale council.

A pub with rooms that were previously used as accommodation for homeless people could be converted into housing.

The nautical-themed Trafalgar Hotel in Queenborough, on Sheppey, has been closed for some time after failing to recover after the pandemic.

Plans have now been submitted to Swale council to convert the Rushenden Road building, which features a restaurant and bedrooms, into homes.

A letter submitted with the application by Nicholas and Alan Watts, directors of The Trafalgar Pub and Hotel Ltd, explains why they have made the move for conversion.

“The trade had started to die off in 2019 and then in March 2020 Covid hit and the pub had to close due to restrictions,” they write.

“To continue making money, the rooms were rented out to Swale Borough Council for homeless people to have temporary accommodation.

“Once Covid restrictions were lifted, the pub was reopened but the trade did not return.

“We continued to rent the rooms to Swale Council as this was the only way to make an income but subsequently the manager had a serious accident, resulting in her breaking her back and having to have a major operation.

“This meant that the rooms could no longer be rented out as there was no manager and it was not financially viable to hire in a new manager, resulting in the pub closing altogether.

“As it has now sat empty for over a year, it is showing deterioration and we believe that turning it back into its original state as four houses is the best option.”

Plans say that of the newly-created properties, three would have two bedrooms and one would have three bedrooms. All four would be sold at the market rate.

Building Design and Services Ltd, acting as consultants for the owners, says in its submission the proposals are “modest” and will “contribute positively to local housing supply”.

Cllr Mike Whiting (Ind), who represents Queenborough and Halfway on the council, said: “If the owners have been struggling to make it a viable proposition as a hotel that's a real shame and converting it to houses may improve it for the future.

“If the hotel business hasn't been able to sustain itself, that's indicative of what's been happening around the country with the hospitality trade and things getting difficult for them.”

It is not yet known when the council’s planning committee will make a final decision on the application, but a target deadline of December 30 has been set.