Two neighbouring housing developments proposing to build 54 flats between them will offer just three parking spaces as new plans for homes emerge.
The F.L. Pettman Depository and surrounding buildings in Athelstan Road and Dalby Road in Margate are being eyed up by developers who hope to transform the site into 34 flats.
Recent years have seen it fall into disrepair and it is hoped the transformation of the site into a residential property will offer it a lifeline in what developers Kevin Hall and Hume Planning Consultancy say will be an “excellent addition to the Cliftonville area”.
However, news of the scheme comes as proposals for 20 flats and a commercial unit on a neighbouring plot await a decision from the council.
The former Northdown Road hand car wash and garage have been left empty since the pandemic and efforts have been made to bring the unsightly plot back to life on multiple occasions.
Combined, the plots equal just 0.64 acres yet could wind up hosting 54 flats and just three parking spaces – though 96 cycle spaces would be available across the two unrelated projects.
Councillor Alan Currie (Lab), who previously voiced his opposition to the Northdown Road plans, admitted he would not be able to back the Pettman project in its current form.
“That’ll absolutely get knocked back by planning officers and I couldn’t support it,” said Cllr Currie.
“It’s massive overdevelopment, sometimes a developer knows it’ll get knocked back but will be able to speak to planning officers and reduce the number of flats.
“The council refused the Northdown Road plans over issues with parking, and there’d be so many objections from residents.
“I’m 99% sure that type of development wouldn’t get traction, where would the support come from?”
As part of the plans for the Pettman redevelopment, the main building will converted to host 19 flats – mostly two-bed properties with one offering three bedrooms.
A warehouse to the rear would be demolished to create space for a secondary block of flats, this one a four-storey building hosting 11 two-bed dwellings.
It is also hoped to see the part-demolition of a vehicle repair garage on Dalby Road to facilitate four three-bed houses and another access route to the site.
“Proposed conversion works to the building will enable the sensitive restoration of the building,” say bosses behind the plan.
“The depository stands out from its context because it is completely different in both use and appearance; it is by far the largest building in the area.
“The existing Pettman’s building (which is currently underutilised and declining) would be the centrepiece of the proposed development.
“While the exterior of the building offers some wonderful opportunities for renovation and restoration, the interior offers some incredible spaces and volumes within which to work.”
The F.L. Pettman Depository was built in 1901 and has been used for commercial purposes ever since.
Towering above its neighbours, the firm originally used to deliver coal from the site before turning to auctions for antiques and furniture as well as offering storage space and removals.
