The Principal Planner explained this application was for listed building consent and the objective was to ensure the building was back in full use. The proposal also requested for 3 substantial windows to brighten up the building and allow natural light to enter.

The applicant requested for a door way and service hatch to be installed to allow access from the kitchen area to the auditorium. The seating and stalls area would remain, however it will be refurbished to allow a new seating area to be fitted.

The Principal Planner explained the applicant had a positive performance history with taking on different types of buildings, refurbishing them and delivering full use of an unused building.

The Chair opened the Committee to questions regarding the planning application 17/01617/LBC and 17/01616/FUL Old State Cinema, George Street.

Councillor Piccolo asked whether the organ would be protected from the public as the pictures did not clarify this. Councillor Kelly responded and advised it was stated in the report.

Councillor Piccolo wanted clarity around the toilet area and whether there would be disabled access. The Principal Planner confirmed that a proposed disabled toilet with changing facilities on the ground floor and a staff toilet. 

Councillor Lawrence was pleased the building would be in full use, however she was concerned whether the inside beer garden would include a smoking area.

Councillor Piccolo asked if there would only be one disabled toilet on the ground floor. The Principal Planner explained this was the only ground floor toilet on the report, although the staff toilets were located on the ground floor.

The Principal Planner addressed the previous question and advised the beer garden was described within the building and that smoking would be prohibited inside public places. However he assumed that JD Weatherspoon’s would ensure there are dedicated smoking areas. As for security within the building, JD Weatherspoon’s would need to explore this separately.

Councillor Lawrence asked if the security would be separate permissions as the Anchor in Grays was taken over by JD Weatherspoon’s and there had been issues with intoxicated individuals and the police were made aware on a number of occasions. She did not want this building to be destroyed by the wrong crowd of people and CCTV would not be beneficial as the Police would not be able to attend incidents immediately. She requested for this to be discussed with the Police.

The Agent, Mr Gregg Elliott, representative of JD Weatherspoon’s, was invited to the Committee to present his statement of support.

Mr Elliott, the agent explained to the Committee the beer garden would be located within the building however it would be an open aired area with barriers in place along the external areas and CCTV and staff members positioned around the building. He clarified that on the ground floor there will be a disabled toilet, and an accessible toilet on the right of the entrance with changing facilities, this had been designed for individuals who need carers or support.

The Chair highlighted that the pictures displayed water damage on the exterior as well as interior of the building and it would be positive if this was also addressed. He asked if the building would be fully refurbished including the exterior works. The Principal Planner referred to page 71 point 1.3 as it explained the general works would be addressed and the repairs would cover the whole building. On page 71 points 1.4 and 1.5 it explained in depth the amendments that would be made on the interior and exterior of the building.

Councillor Lawrence asked if JD Weatherspoon’s would be willing to hire individuals from Thurrock as there are a number of unemployed people within the borough.

Mr Elliott explained their client worked in partnership with contractors to deliver the building and ultimately it would be for them to employ the workforce. He referred to the point regarding the organ which was located inside the centre of the building. He explained the organ would be lowered with a barrier around it and would be protected from the public however it would still be on display.

The Chair asked what plans were put in place to improve the outside of the building. Mr Elliott explained there would be a full refurbishment on the inside and outside of the building and a full cleanse after the work was completed. The building was presented to historic England and they had taken an interest in the potential the building had.

Councillor Piccolo stated that for such a large establishment there only appeared to be one bar area. He asked whether customers would be able to order food and drinks from their tables. Mr Elliott stated although there was only one bar in the large establishment this would be a 22 metres long bar. There would be facilities for food and drink to be ordered at the tables via the new App that can be downloaded onto mobile phones.

Councillor Rice stated this scheme should be commended as it was positive that JD Weatherspoon’s were willing to put the building to good use.

It was proposed by Councillor Kelly and seconded by Councillor Liddiard that the application be granted planning permission, subject to conditions, as per the Officer’s recommendations.

For: (8) Councillors Colin Churchman, Andrew Jefferies, Tom Kelly, Angela Lawrence, Steve Liddiard, Terry Piccolo, Gerard Rice, and Sue Shinnick.

Against: (0)

Abstain: (0)

RESOLVED:

That the application be approved, subject to conditions.