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Planning application submitted to convert The Papermakers Arms, in Hawley, into a car showroom

Official plans have been drawn up to give a new lease of life to an abandoned village pub which was “destroyed” and “left to rot”.

SBT Estates has submitted proposals to Dartford council to revitalise and bring The Papermakers Arms, in Hawley, back into use albeit not as a public house.

Plans have been submitted for The Papermakers Arms. Picture: Cllr George Holt
Plans have been submitted for The Papermakers Arms. Picture: Cllr George Holt

The family-run pub closed its doors in April 2022 and has been vacant ever since despite marketing efforts from two different estate agents, including specialists in leisure and hospitality Sidney Phillips.

It was sold to the applicant in August last year who later revealed its plans to convert the site, next to Hawley Garden Centre, into a luxury car showroom as it looked to expand its portfolio of sites.

Belvedere-based SBT Estates has now submitted an application seeking permission to change the use of the building and make alterations to its exterior including changing windows and creating full-height openings on the ground floor.

According to the planning, design and access statement, the most notable feature will be the creation of large aluminium-framed sliding and folding doors which the firm hopes will “modernise” the façade and create more accessibility.

If approved, the scheme will replace many of the “outdated” windows with new, double glazing to “enhance the building’s energy efficiency” and remove some internal walls to open up the layout.

The document stated the property also suffers from “significant dampness” due to roof damage so to address the existing “decay” the interior will be stripped back to brick and fully restored.

Neighbours say the building has been “left to rot”. Picture: Cllr George Holt
Neighbours say the building has been “left to rot”. Picture: Cllr George Holt

The applicant is also looking to increase the number of car parking spaces from 13 to 32 to accommodate the cars for sale.

In the planning, design and access statement, SBT Estates claims the proposed change of use will offer “significant benefits” to the area including the “revitalisation” of an underused site.

It adds: “By repurposing the former Papermakers Arms, the proposal will bring the site back into active use, enhancing the vibrancy of the local economy.

“The creation of a new business in this location will generate employment opportunities, both directly through jobs related to the car sales operation and indirectly by attracting customers and associated trade to the area.

“Socially, the proposal contributes to the wider community by bringing back into use a vacant property turning it into a modern, well-maintained business that improves the appearance and perception of the area.”

Speaking previously, ward councillor for Wilmington, Sutton-at-Hone and Hawley, Cllr George Holt (Con), said he thought residents would be frustrated as many would have liked to see the pub reopened or repurposed as a shop.

Cllr George Holt said he thinks residents would have liked to have seen a shop or the pub reopened
Cllr George Holt said he thinks residents would have liked to have seen a shop or the pub reopened

He added: “However, we play with the hand we are dealt - the land has a new owner.

“As local councillors, it is our role to push for a reasonable outcome for the village's residents.”

Two objections have already been lodged against the scheme from neighbours who suggested a shop, like Tesco Express, would have been welcomed.

Yet, the applicant stated that despite marketing efforts and a reasonable asking price, “no viable interest was generated for its continued use as a public house” or another community function.

The planning, design and access statement added: “The prolonged vacancy and absence of prospective buyers for its original use clearly demonstrate the site's unsuitability for retention as a public house.”

Despite some objections, a resident in Hawley Road said they wanted to support the new owners after seeing the site “destroyed, robbed and left to rot in recent years”.

One neighbour said the building had been destroyed before the new owners bought it. Picture: Cllr George Holt
One neighbour said the building had been destroyed before the new owners bought it. Picture: Cllr George Holt

They added: “To see what has been done to the property so far is amazing. They have kept the original building and the site has been kept clean and tidy.”

To see more planning applications and other public notices for your area, click here.

The consultation period ends on Friday, January 31, with a decision expected by Thursday, March 6.

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