The changes to the exterior appearance would be limited
A building that was once used as a school and antique shop is set to be turned into a holiday let. Plans to convert the Old Ebony School near Tenterden into accommodation have been approved this month by Ashford Borough Council.
The property on Reading Street was historically used as a school until the 1920’s. It has been put to several uses over the years, the planning and heritage statement reads on the council’s website.
It continues: “It is understood from records that the building has been used to restore antique furniture, make miniature pistols and guns, produce metal sculptures, and then most recently as a retail premises which sold antiques and artwork.”
The approved plans will allow a change of use from a redundant retail premises to a holiday let. Documents submitted to the council state that the owner has experience managing several holiday rental properties in the area.
The decision notice states: “The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this decision.
“Any external materials and finishes to be used for the approved development shall be of the same size, colour, tone and texture as those of the existing building.
“The holiday let shall be used for holiday accommodation only and shall not be occupied by any person as his or her sole or main place of residence.”
In their final report, officers at ABC said the proposal would bring “an attractive rural building back into a productive use without requiring a complete or substantial reconstruction”.
It adds: “The changes to the exterior appearance would be limited to the insertion of a small window on the rear elevation to provide light to the upper floor bedroom.”
“I consider that it would be converted in a way that preserves its integrity and character. As stated previously, the building is within the Reading Street Conservation Area and opposite a Grade II Listed church.
“I consider that the proposal, by bringing a characterful building back into use with little change to its external appearance, would preserve the character and appearance of the conservation area.
“It would not cause harm to the listed church/its setting. Furthermore, there would be no adverse impact caused to the visual amenity of the landscape.”
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