Apartments and houses plan for boarded up pub

The KE Ashford Big Quiz is on Friday, October 16. Here are some test questions to get contestants in the mood. Developers have submitted plans to convert a boarded up town centre pub into new flats and small houses.

Former landlord Lee Stanley had taken on The British Volunteer in New Street in April 2013, but closed the pub earlier this summer.

Now development firm Galahad Developments Ltd have put forward plans to convert the former pub into six one-bedroom apartments, with a further three new two-bedroom homes to be built on land behind the pub in Kent Avenue.

If approved, the former car park and beer garden would contain new car parking spaces and bin storage areas.

In Galahad Developments’ planning statement the company stated that building the new homes was essential for the viability of the scheme.

In the documents it says: “It is a building that without planning permission could remain vacant and furthermore become a derelict building along a main street in Ashford.

“An example of this is The The British Volunteer pub could be turned into apartments in plans are agreed Prince Albert Pub, some 100 metres from the site. The pub remains a derelict building in need of extensive repair on a main route into Ashford town centre.”

Cllr Graham Galpin, who is Ashford Borough Council’s cabinet member responsible for business in the town centre, said he wanted to avoid the prospect of the pub becoming another eyesore.

He said: “It’s a shame to see famous and historic town centre pubs no longer being used. It has reached a stage where it is pretty much use it or lose it.

“People have voted with their feet. Therefore it should become something people do want to use or live in.”

To view the plans visit the planning page at www.ashford. gov.uk and quote reference number 15/01250/AS.

What do you think? Write to Kentish Express, 34-36 North Street, Ashford, TN24 8JR or email kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk

Cllr Graham Galpin