Plans to keep the history of a former fire station alive have been given the nod six years after it closed.
Ramsgate Town Council launched a bid to convert the historic Grade II-listed building in Effingham Street into an events venue.
The local authority - which now owns the site - believes it will be a “versatile space” for residents, businesses, artists and performers.
It will also provide a place for the town council to host gatherings and events.
“We propose the footprint, height and form of Radford House stay intact, only receiving a cosmetic refresh to the exterior, with minor layout reconfigurations internally,” the application states.
“This approach is more sensitive to Radford House, its history, and its surroundings, still delivering a high quality and versatile public space.
“The proposal satisfies the relevant policies set out in Thanet District Council’s (TDC) Local Plan and makes a positive contribution to Ramsgate and surrounding areas.
“This proposal will provide the necessary refurbishment of Radford House adding a positive visual contribution to the town.
“It will also provide a versatile space for the Ramsgate’s residents, businesses, artists, performers, and the council to host gatherings and events.”
Although the town council has been using the building since May last year, with more than 2,500 people attending events there, the authority now has planning permission to renovate the site.
It says the past year has aimed to “build awareness of the potential” of Radford House being used for events, workspace hire, meeting spaces and community activities.
Projects set to continue include Chat Time, Repair Cafe and Ramsgate Town Shed.
Other highlights are the Charity Shop Fashion Show on June 22, ghost-hunting nights on Fridays and Saturdays, and a Ghostbusters immersive experience on June 29.
No objections were submitted after plans to refurbish the building were submitted in December.
TDC’s planning officer determined the plans would “preserve and enhance the character and appearance” of the Ramsgate conservation area.
“At the front of the property, the existing roller doors would be replaced with timber folding doors and a glazed screen would be installed behind,” they said.
“The roller doors are a modern addition to the building and the proposed folding doors are considered to be in keeping with the age and character of the building.”
The officer also notes bollards, stone blocks and planters are proposed at the front and side of the building to form a pedestrianised area.
New gates would also be installed at the side of the former fire station.
They also say repairs to the brickwork, windows and roof would “enhance the appearance of the building”.
TDC approved the planning application on May 7.
Previously known as Effingham House, the 18th-century building was originally a home belonging to Rear Admiral William Fox, who died in 1811.
The house was then bought in 1829 by Richard Tomson, from the local brewery firm Tomson and Wotton, planning documents state.
Its extensive grounds were parcelled off to become Clarendon House and Ramsgate Library by the end of the 19th century.
Ramsgate's first fire station is believed to have been in York Street before it moved to Effingham Street in 1905 at which horse-drawn steam pumps were used.
After more than 100 years at the site, it was moved to Newington Road in 2018.
