Margate restaurant damaged by car could become flats
It's been closed ever since a car smashed through the front window
A much-loved restaurant forced to shut after a car smashed through its front window could be transformed into homes.
TY-8, a Thai, Malaysian and Chinese buffet on Northdown Road in Margate, has asked Thanet District Council (TDC) for permission to convert the site into flats.
The proposals would see the ground floor transformed into a one-bedroom apartment, while the “basement storage” area would become a one-bedroom studio with its own entrance at the rear.
The restaurant has been closed since June last year, when a car crashed into its front window.
At the time, the owners said in a public statement: “Thank you for your condolences. Our family is safe and unharmed. Thanks to everyone for the help during the incident.
“We were so shocked when the gas supply was damaged. We are still able to live here as it’s safe. We will be unable to open until further notice.”
In March this year, they confirmed the closure would be permanent, telling customers: “Thank you to everyone over the years for supporting our family business.
“Unfortunately, we have had to make the difficult decision to close down for good due to our circumstances.
“We’ve made many great memories with people across the years, and we’re so happy we had the opportunity to be a part of your lives.”
Now, planning agency SIFA Architecture has lodged an application with TDC on behalf of the business.
“The proposed change of use and internal reconfiguration represents a sensitive and sustainable adaptation of the property,” the firm said.
“It delivers high-quality residential units without harm to the building’s heritage significance or the character of the Cliftonville Conservation Area.
“The scheme respects the existing architecture, makes efficient use of space, and supports local housing needs while retaining the contribution of the building to the historic streetscape.”
But not everyone is convinced.
One resident, Peter Davis, has strongly objected, warning the plans would take away valuable commercial space on the town’s high street.
He told the council: “Before the accident, TY-8 was a successful business.
“I believe this is extremely short-sighted as Northdown Road is the Cliftonville high street.
“It is going from strength to strength with new businesses opening all the time.
“We have already lost many commercial premises in this section of Northdown Road and can not afford to lose more.”
The authority is expected to make a decision on the application later this year.