A pub owner who says it would be impossible to reopen due to competition from the likes of a nearby Wetherspoon can finally turn the tavern into homes.

John Anastasio, who took on The Foresters Arms in Ramsgate three years ago, had failed in two previous bids to convert the premises in Boundary Road into two houses.

In both applications, planners at Thanet District Council had pointed to the potential loss of a community asset.

But Mr Anastasio argued it was “extremely unlikely” anyone would take it on to trade as a public house as it would be economically unviable.

He blamed this on a range of factors including the huge Wetherspoon at the town’s marina, increasing cost burdens and the introduction of the indoor smoking ban in 2007.

Planning agent Graham Kinnear, writing to the council on behalf of Mr Anastasio, said there had been significant decline in trade before it shut three years ago.

“Increased licensing hours of town centre premises has resulted in a shift in trade from local houses to larger town premises such as Wetherspoon,” he said.

'It is highly unlikely the Foresters Arms could draw in the additional trade required to cover its rising costs...'

“There are still a number of pubs in the immediate vicinity.

"It is highly unlikely the Foresters Arms could draw in the additional trade required to cover its rising costs.”

He said due to the shortage of housing in Thanet, it would be “prudent” to provide much-needed homes instead.

Thanet council’s planning team, which had turned down the previous plans also on the basis of the appearance of the homes, have now approved the amended scheme.

It means the old inn, which dates back to 1860 and was sold at auction for £200,000 in 2018, will have a two-storey rear extension built and be turned into a three-bed property and a two-bed home.

Thanet’s planning team said: “The viability report contains a map which annotates the pubs in the surrounding area, which includes several within a reasonable walking distance including The South Eastern Tavern, The Great Tree, Elephant and Castle and The East Kent Arms.

“The application site is also located in close proximity to the town centre which includes several public houses.

“The loss of this community facility is not considered to undermine the ability of the community to meet its day-to-day needs.”

They added: “The proposed two-storey rear extension is a moderate scale and its amended design and form will appear as a rear projection to the existing property, which is a common feature in the surrounding built environment.”

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