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The former Barclays in Margate has been empty for six years. Picture: Google<\/p>\nCheck the latest public notices in your area – planning, roads and licensing <\/p>\n
Plans to transform a rundown former bank \u2013 which has been invaded by pigeons and used for a drugs farm \u2013 have been approved.<\/p>\n
Barclays in Margate shut in 2020 due to dwindling customer numbers and has remained empty ever since.<\/p>\n
The former Barclays in Margate has been empty for six years. Picture: Google<\/p>\n
It has fallen into a state of major disrepair \u2013 and was also subject to \u201charmful, unauthorised works\u201d which removed many of its Grade II-listed features.<\/p>\n
Now, plans have been green lit to renovate the High Street building by splitting it up into four flats and two shops.<\/p>\n
Previously, the application had sought approval for five flats and three shops, but it was later amended to four homes and two stores.<\/p>\n
Planning documents revealed a visit had been carried out at the property by Thanet District Council (TDC) conservation officer Tanya Carr as part of the listed building application process. The officer however was surprised over its dilapidated state.<\/p>\n
After the visit on August 14, 2025, she reported: \u201cI was shocked to discover that an excessive amount of harmful, unauthorised works had been undertaken to the Grade II-listed building, particularly to the upper floors, seeing the extensive loss of historic fabric such as wall, ceiling coverings and doors.<\/p>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/CUPZTBD1KAMCCIIU9KGY.jpg\")
The upper floors had fallen into disrepair at the old Barclays. Picture: The Gullick Partnership Ltd<\/p>\n
\u201cThere was also evidence of water ingress, as well as a significant amount of guano, due to the presence of pigeons who had clearly been in the building for some time and who could freely enter through various gaps.\u201d<\/p>\n
The officer said what she witnessed was contrary to what had been depicted in a heritage statement and a previous pre-planning application.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhilst it is difficult to understand why or when this has happened and who undertook these works, it is clear that this work is unauthorised and liable for enforcement action,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n
TDC confirmed however that \u201cany potential enforcement action\u201d was paused while the planning application was considered. Since it has been approved, no enforcement is now needed.<\/p>\n
At the time, Ms Carr suggested the overall design and number of units be re-considered, as she felt the listed status of the building had not been properly taken into account. The amendment to the planning application was later submitted.<\/p>\n
![\"Stables](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/VZ6GNN1Z3DFYQXUY281M.jpg\")
Stables in the doorways of the old Margate bank, said to be left over from cannabis farming. Picture: The Gullick Partnership Ltd<\/p>\n
Further planning documents also revealed the upper floors of the former bank had been used to grow marijuana \u2013 although the date of when this was has not been confirmed.<\/p>\n
The report, put together by The Gullick Partnership Ltd on behalf of applicant Ishtiaq Ahmed, stated: \u201cThe property has remained empty from 2020 after the bank shut the branch and, whilst the ground floor remained empty, the upper floor had been used as an illegal cannabis farm.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe damage resulting from high humidity and duct work in the latter use has resulted in damage to internal plaster.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe architrave above shows multiple staples to secure plastic sheeting to each door to retain heat and moisture for the production of cannabis.<\/p>\n
\u201cMore recently the remaining lath and plaster has been removed.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"Feathers](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/64Z762M1F8PGVWQO05K1.jpg\")
Feathers and bird excrement on the upper floors of the former Barclays in Margate. Picture: The Gullick Partnership Ltd<\/p>\n
The planning application was approved by a TDC planning officer on July 13. No comments objecting or in support had been submitted to the authority.<\/p>\n