Ambitious plans to transform a derelict 179-year-old pub have been given the green light.
The Folkestone Harbour and Seafront Development Company (FHSDC) will restore The Princess Royal in Folkestone “to its former glory”.
The inn has been boarded up since 2015.
Currently covered in scaffolding and graffiti, the building will be rejuvenated with renovations taking place inside and out with an extension also added.
Floral rooftops, lighting and outside seating will all be installed.
Planning documents from FHSDC’s planning agent, Savills, state: “The proposals seek to restore the locally significant structure to its former prime, that has withered away over its recent years of vacancy.
“The building is currently unsafe, due to the collapsing of the internal structure, and subsequently, only the external façade can be retained.
“Nevertheless, the new elements are to be designed in the style of the previous, ensuring that the appearance of the building does not significantly vary.”
Pictures inside the venue show crumbling walls and gaps in the flooring.
The upper floors will become guest rooms for visitors.
Four rooms along with bathrooms will be constructed and will be run by pub staff.
The site of The Princess Royal has been occupied by different public houses since 1845.
Situated at the lower end of Parade Steps on South Street, it took its current title in 1856 in homage to the eldest child of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, Princess Victoria.
The pub is a stone's throw away from the new London & Paris Hotel, which was formerly Gillespies, and The Harbour Inn.
Ben Cuthbert, landlord at the London & Paris said he is “really supportive” of the pub being developed, saying: “To have the Princess Royal looking smart on the doorstop will improve the area.
“It’s been dilapidated for so long and been a source of vandalism over the last few months to the point that we were concerned how it may affect the experience for guests visiting the hotel this year.”
However, the publican took issue with plans for an outside seating area.
They would like to share a patch of paving in front of the building so that both could benefit from outdoor seating.
He added: “We think that a shared ‘continental style’ square would be a real benefit to the space.
“Furthermore, we’re in a position to use the space this year.”
But planning officers said the problem was not solely one for them to deal with, adding: “An area that could be used for tables and chairs, if placed within that space, would be temporary and not needing planning permission.”
On approving the bid, a Folkestone and Hythe District Council planning officer said: “The Princess Royal public house is currently in a poor state of repair, derelict and boarded-up.
“Subsequently, in its current guise, it impacts negatively on the residential amenity of the existing neighbours and businesses.
Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.
“This scheme is promoting the retention of a community facility and bringing it back into use.”
FHSDC could not yet confirm when work on the renovation might start.
