Similar plans to make the conversion were denied planning permission last year
A historic country pub that has been closed for nine years could be turned into housing – despite similar plans being snubbed last year.
It is the latest attempt by the owners of The Crown Inn, in Stone in Oxney, near Tenterden, to convert the 300-year-old tavern. Previous plans were rejected by Ashford Borough Council (ABC), which said it would be an “unacceptable loss of a community facility”.
Villagers had expressed their “disgust” at the proposals, arguing the pub “used to be a social hub” and could be again. But new planning documents insist that the business is “no longer viable”.
This is despite the current owners ploughing £500,000 into “upgrading, refurbishing and extending” the venue after buying it in 2007. They had reopened it in 2009 with “an enhanced food and drink offering”.
“However, it quickly became apparent that the business model needed to change to remain viable,” the documents say.
“Planning permission was obtained to provide two bed and breakfast rooms on the first and second floors, and the business subsequently operated as a Country Bistro and Bar with associated B&B accommodation.
“Despite all the renovation works, the change to the business model and extensive marketing initiatives, promotions and offers, the applicant ran the business at a significant loss every year of the seven years they were trading.”
Now, the building on The Street has been unused since 2016. In 2024, Ashford Borough Council (ABC) rejected plans to convert it into a home, saying it would amount to “unacceptable loss of a community facility,” despite it already having been empty for many years.
In new plans submitted earlier this month, the owners insist that the pub has no chance of being brought back into use, with a “very limited” response to attempts to market it for £650,000 all-in.
“The location of the public house is the main reason why it is not of interest to potential operators,” says the marketing report by surveyors and estate agents firm Sibly Pares.
“Stone in Oxney is in a very rural area with minimal residents in the immediate surrounding area. There are fewer than 80 dwellings within reasonable walking distances of the pub.”
A supporting statement by DHL planning consultancy adds: “This vacant facility is no longer viable, and all reasonable efforts have been made to market the facility in its entirety.”
Instead, the applicants are seeking to subdivide the site, converting the main pub building into a “generous” five-bed house, and the annexe into a one-bed home.
It is not yet known when ABC will decide on the plans, but a target deadline of January 30 has been set. No new objections have been lodged so far.
