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Princess Royal pub in Folkestone could be demolished after it was deemed to be unsafe

00:00, 13 February 2017

updated: 12:59, 13 February 2017

An application has been put forward to demolish a pub after the building was deemed to be unsafe.

The Princess Royal in South Street, Folkestone, has been left in a derelict state for years and has been boarded up since 2010.

Previous owners Shepherd Neame sold it as a going concern but attempts to revive trade were unsuccessful.

The former Shepherd Neame pub could be knocked down. Picture: Andy Jones
The former Shepherd Neame pub could be knocked down. Picture: Andy Jones

In its heyday the pub, would attract many revellers from the harbour.

It was put up for sale at a Clive Emson auction in April 2015 with a guide price of between £100,000 and £110,000.

But it is thought current owners Folkestone Harbour GP Limited, Roger De Haan’s development company, bought it last year.

It is not yet known whether the small site will be incorporated into the masterplan to regenerate the seafront.

The site has always been occupied by a pub since 1845 and
was originally called the Engine Inn.

Just two years later the previous property was knocked down and rebuilt to what is seen today.

A structural survey has revealed that the building was found to have dry and wet rot on all floors, which includes the joinery, collapsed rain water drains and asbestos.

A design statement from the owners says the building as it stands is unsafe to enter and poses a danger to the public.

If Shepway District Council grants permission for the demolition to go ahead, the area will be flattened with tarmac and will await future development. The statement says that there is nothing planned as yet.

A document attached to the planning application online says that planners will try to make a decision by Wednesday, March 15.

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