A Harvester is set for \u201cmuch-needed\u201d upgrades as plans to turn it into a \u201cvibrant destination\u201d have been given the green light.<\/p>\n
An application to revamp the dining room and outdoor areas at the Ashford restaurant was submitted earlier this year.<\/p>\n
Plans to upgrade the Harvester restaurant in Canterbury Road, Ashford, have been approved<\/p>\n
One neighbour expressed concerns about new lighting being installed in the Harvester\u2019s garden and front seating area, saying: \u201cMy property is lit up more than Picadilly Circus\u201d.<\/p>\n
But Ashford Borough Council (ABC) officers have approved the scheme, which also includes new floodlighting on the walkway connecting the Grade II-listed barn to the main restaurant.<\/p>\n
The dining room will have a new layout to improve accessibility to the ground floor, with the aim of creating a more \u201cfunctional and inclusive\u201d space.<\/p>\n
The barn, which houses the bar at the front of the building in Canterbury Road, will be left untouched.<\/p>\n
Writing on the council\u2019s planning portal, Karen Fiander raised concerns that the new lighting would shine brightly into her property.<\/p>\n
Bosses say upgrades to the Harvester in Canterbury Road, Ashford, will ensure the sites long-term viability<\/p>\n
She added: \u201cFloodlighting is already a problem from the garden centre and doctors’ surgery, which gives way to heavy light pollution at night.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have roof windows to my upstairs bedroom, and my property is lit up more than Picadilly Circus.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt stops me sleeping despite already having blackout blinds, so I have to object to any extra lighting proposed.\u201d<\/p>\n
But ABC officers said the additional lighting was limited and would not cause \u201cmaterial harm\u201d to neighbours.<\/p>\n
Their report added: \u201cProposals which preserve or enhance the significance of a heritage asset and the contribution it makes to the character and distinctiveness of the local area will be supported.\u201d<\/p>\n
Previously, bosses at Harvester\u2019s parent company Mitchells and Butlers said the plans would ensure the \u201clong-term viability\u201d of the restaurant.<\/p>\n
In planning documents, they added: \u201cThe proposed works seek to ensure the public house will continue to be a vibrant destination, assisting in helping to retain and attract new patrons.\u201d<\/p>\n