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Whitstable pub plan pulled by Made Inn boss Steve Sitton
00:06, 14 April 2021
updated: 08:40, 14 April 2021
Plans to open a pub in a new shop unit in a seaside town have been withdrawn following numerous objections.
The application for the change of use of the property on the site of the former post office in Gladstone Road, Whistable, had been submitted by Steve Sitton, who owns the Made Inn craft beer hostelry in Ashford.
He still hopes to replicate the business somewhere else in the town but says he withdrew from the proposed location after "carefully considering local community feedback".
Some neighbours complained it was the wrong place for a pub and would lead to late-night noise and nuisance, despite Mr Sitton claiming it would not be that kind of operation and would have a "low key" approach.
One of the objectors who wrote to the city council was Daniel Postgate, who said: "Not a good idea. The appropriate place for a pub - a place where noise is likely and late-hours kept - is on the High Street where virtually all the other pubs are.
"I'm all for having pubs, but let's keep them in the right place."
But there was also some support from those familiar with Made Inn, who thought it would be good for the town.
Mr Sitton says the pub offers a "unique style of experience" which focuses on bringing UK craft beer to local communities.
"With an ever-changing line-up of products, we aim to excite, delight and educate," he adds.
But following the reaction to the application, Mr Sitton says he will look for an alternative site in the town.
"Following a review and careful consideration of the local community feedback we have withdrawn our planning application to open a Made Inn on the site of the old post office at Gladstone House," he said.
"While we feel we could, and would, allay many of the concerns raised, we are keen to work with the communities we ultimately strive to serve and as such are now exploring other opportunities in the town.
"The Made Inn Company aspires to provide a comfortable and safe environment for craft beer enthusiasts to explore the exciting and ever-changing produce of micro operators across the country. We look forward to welcoming residents of Whitstable in the very near future."
