Late yesterday afternoon, the Town Council received planning permission from Ashford Borough Council for much needed improvements to be made to the historic Tenterden Town Hall. The Grade II listed building which occupies a prominent position on the High Street, will undergo extensive renovation to achieve a sustainable, community-based building, which is both welcoming and accessible to all, whilst addressing issues arising from the declining state of the building.
The town council and Theis & Khan, appointed architects have worked closely with planning and conservation officers at Ashford Borough Council to ensure that the plans to reorder, repair and refurbish the 18th century building will restore it to its former glory and – most importantly – open it up to much greater community use.
The Mayor of Tenterden, Councillor Sue Ferguson said that “the granting of planning permission by Ashford Borough Council is a significant event, not just for the town council but for the town of Tenterden. This historic building built in 1790, has played a significant role in the history of our town and the proposed plans will safeguard its future for both the short and the long term, while making the most of this wonderful building as an asset for community use”.
The news was further welcomed, as the town council had recently learnt that the exterior fire escape at the rear of the building was condemned as no further fit for purpose. The ambitious project will address this issue, as well as under-usage, the appalling heating system and lack of insulation, the extensive rising damp, unhealthy conditions for users and the very limited community and lettable space.
The building has remained largely unchanged for the last 90 years. The changes will be made sympathetically and will preserve the building’s heritage long into the future. Works are expected to start in the spring of 2024.
The planning application is available to view on the Ashford Borough Council website, here.
Further information is available on the Town Council website, here.