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Dismay over house plan for bowling alley in Dover

Plans to transform a pub’s bowling alley into homes with no parking have been met with firm opposition.

An application has been launched to transform a disused single-storey alley behind the former Three Cups Inn in Dover into a three-bedroomed house.

The Three Cups building in Dover
The Three Cups building in Dover

But neighbour Miss E. Moors said in an objection on the Dover District Council planning portal: “ There isn't enough space to park as it is and it is hard to drive down the lane when all cars parked there.”

A total of four residents raised objections and none have come out in supported of the scheme.

Some also described the bowling alley building as an “eyesore” and said if the proposals went ahead it should at least be knocked down and replaced with a two-storey house.

The Three Cups after a refurbishment in 2007. Library picture: Chris Davey for KMG
The Three Cups after a refurbishment in 2007. Library picture: Chris Davey for KMG

Both Dover Town Council and the Dover Society believed the new development would be out of keeping with the area.

The application for the land behind the 19th century former pub in Crabble Hill is by present owners MJ Real Estate Ltd of east London.

Planning permission had been given early this year to knock down the bowling alley for the home.

The application's agents Blackrock Architecture,of Canterbury, said that this was no longer viable because of increasing construction costs and falling property values.

A side view of the new development. Picture: Blackrock Architecture, as seen on the Dover District Council planning portal
A side view of the new development. Picture: Blackrock Architecture, as seen on the Dover District Council planning portal

In a letter to Dover Town Council, the firm said:” We are still delivering a quality three-bedroomed family home with a generous garden.

“Plus, it has the added benefit of being a bungalow so it will suit families and the elderly.”

But Dover District Council officers are recommending approval of the scheme, saying the site is a short walk from a bus stops so that people can easily reach the town centre and other main areas.

The proposal also includes bicycle storage.

The Three Cups in Crabble Hill, Dover
The Three Cups in Crabble Hill, Dover

The Three Cups was founded in 1847 and closed last January after the then owners Victoria Inns had put it on the market for £275,000 in November 2021.

There were no offers to continue it as a pub so MJ Real Estate is looking to change the main building for alternative use too.

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