1. Why can’t we have a sunny terrace at The Grafton?
It’s safe to say The Grafton epitomises the positive spirit of independent businesses making the area feel special right now. You lot voted it Best New Opening 2012, after all.
But this week, owners Joel and Susie have been in touch to report a rare bit of negative news. Their application for use of the roof terrace overlooking Prince of Wales Road has somewhat inexplicably been turned down at the last hurdle, despite having gained widespread local support.
Joel explains: “Earlier this year we were granted a license to use the space outside with the approval from licensing, the noise officer, local residents and the Inkerman Area Residents Association, but were eventually turned down by planning citing noise disturbance and any use of the roof terrace detracting from the look of the building and the local area.”
Yet, as this amazing photo from 1904 clearly shows, in actual fact a fenced roof terrace is very much a part of the authentic design of this local landmark.
Despite offering to modify their draft plans (which, having seen the application we can safely say were very sympathetic), the Grafton team were told that the concept is unacceptable in principle.
“This greatly saddens and disappoints us,” says Joel. “All we have tried to do from day one is return The Grafton to its former glory.”
Having saved the pub when it was surely a whisker from being condemned to become penthouse apartments, likely boasting vast modern steel and glass terraces, it seems mind-numbingly short sighted of the decision-makers to say no to Joel and Susie’s outdoor summer plans.
An award winning community pub, turned around after years of decline during a time of rampant pub closures, enjoying support from residents groups and officials alike. How much easier need it be to actually get approval?
“We are a young business which has worked tirelessly to make the Grafton a pub Kentishtowners can be proud of,” says Joel. “It is a stark reality that our summer months here will always be a challenge unless we can develop some outside space.”
Sign here and leave your words of support in the comments below – let’s hope the people at planning are paying attention to the weight of popular opinion when this decision goes to appeal.
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4 thoughts on “Pinboard: Local art special, plus where is K-Town’s club – and a terrace for The Grafton?”
I have lived on Grafton Road for over 15 years and it fills me with joy to see The Grafton buzzing with people many of whom wear trousers just a liitle too short and facial hair. I am in favour of public use of the terrace as it will offer a marvellous place to people watch and hang out. I can see why the council object to this usage, indeed can you name another pub with a similar terrace that is open to drinkers ? The Carlton further up Grafton Road is now flats and does have a usable terrace, but then again its private not public. The Lock Tavern has a big upstairs terrace but it is “hidden” . So I can see the planners sticking to their guns. That being said I have had tangled with the planning department before and in my experience they do listen. Then again these are the folk responsible for agreeing to that beast of a building being constructed next to KT West Station.
Maybe as a compromise suggest the terrace is open for 15 weeks in the year, or only when its sunny or that it must close at 10.00.
Hi neighbour, thanks for your words of support! We’re hoping our views will be taken on board by planning through the appeal process. We’ve only asked for a license for the area up until 9.30pm as we thought that might minimise any potential disturbance. Great suggestion re. only opening for a certain no of weeks per year. We’d prefer it didn’t come to that but if a further compromise is needed that’s a cracking suggestion.
I completely support this as a new resident of POW road, the Grafton is an absolutely cracking pub with a fantastic atmosphere (and beers to boot). A (well-managed) terrace would add another dimension and much needed open space for the area.
Totally support this too, looking forward to a calm drink on the terrace basking in the sun