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From the
https://theisleofthanetnews.com By Kathy Bailes, 9 June 2020.
Councillors to discuss proposal to demolish former pub The Orb to make
way for flats development.
Margate Civic Society object to the destruction of the pub building
photo 2010 by David Anstiss Creative Commons Licence.
An amended application to demolish former pub The Orb and build 12 flats
and two maisonettes with associated access, parking and landscaping on
the site in Ramsgate Road is due to be discussed by Thanet councillors
next week.
The Orb closed in 2017. The Shepherd Neame boozer on Ramsgate Road was
sold despite only being taken over by new managers in January, The pub
freehold was being marketed for £225,000.
Planning officers at Thanet council have recommended that the decision
is delegated for approval to allow Grifo Development Ltd to go ahead
subject to safeguarding conditions and the submission of a signed legal
agreement securing the heads of terms.
But Margate Civic Society is outraged by the proposal to demolish The
Orb, saying: “The existing structure has graced the site for almost 200
years and deserves better than this.”
The pub, which was called the "Crown and Sceptre" up until 1962, has
landlords listed dating back to 1839 but is also believed to occupy the
site of the oldest hostelry in Margate, dating from the 15th century.
Margate Civic Society has lodged a strongly worded objection to the
demolition, saying: “We can find nothing within the amended plans to
alter our original objection lodged on August 19. We are therefore still
utterly opposed to the obliteration from the landscape of this iconic
and much loved local historic landmark.
“The only motive that supports the proposal derives from maximising
profit from the site at the expense of local history and this must be
rejected at all costs. We only get one opportunity to preserve local
history and a rejection of this proposal would reflect the esteem in
which we hold this building.”
The Orb has been sold.
The society says the site should be sold to a developer who would
“recognise the benefits of retaining and converting/extending this asset
to provide a more modest return on investment.”
Thanet council’s conservation officers says: “Although the Inn is of
some established local significance and developmental history, there is
in fact reduced intrinsic heritage value that remains within the
property.”
The officer says a report by Canterbury Archaeological Trust (CAT)
details the development of the site alongside factual evidence that
exists through maps, images and locally sourced information. The
property is not listed.
Photo Carl Hudson.
They add: “ I believe it to be true this is a site that may have once
housed a building which may have been of more historical significance
had it not been lost within the development of itself through time.
Unfortunately little to none remains of its character internally with
the main somewhat ‘original’, but largely replaced and repaired, front
facade resulting in a feature common and perhaps better portrayed
elsewhere in Margate.
“The side elevation is attractive and perhaps an indication of the
quality of the building once constructed. It also has painted signage
which could be retained as a legacy for the site visually displaying its
history.
“Largely I do not object to the application and the demolition of The
Orb Inn but advise that it would be complementary to the proposed site
to retain the more significant elevation and incorporate that into the
proposed construction.”
The proposal is to create two, 3-storey buildings, with accommodation
within the roof space. The buildings will be made up of 10 two-bed
self-contained flats, 2 one-bed flats, and 2 three-bed maisonettes.
The buildings will be pitched roof with bay frontages, and will be
constructed using reclaimed flints from the existing building.
Access will be relocated to the south of the site and there will be 14
parking spaces, plus two visitor parking spaces. The mature trees to the
rear of the site are being retained, with four small trees to be
removed. The front boundary wall is also being retained.
The legal agreement to be submitted includes contribution requirements
for:
Special Protection Area – £4,452
Secondary Education – £12,348
Libraries – £624.26
Play equipment – £10,500
Community learning – £267.80
Social care – £1,909.44
Youth service – £851.50
The application has been called to planning committee by Councillor
Candy Gregory, to enable members to consider the risk to wildlife and
their habitat and the impact on highway safety; and by Councillor Steve
Albon, to enable members to consider the loss of the former public house
building and construction of a block of flats, and its impact upon the
character of the area.
The proposal will be discussed by members of the planning committee, via
video call, on June 17.
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