Hastings venue's bid for extension granted

Whistle Trago, in George Street, applied to the council to convert its basement from a storage area to a bar to connect with existing premises on the ground floor.

An application was discussed on Wednesday (April 20) by councillors on Hastings Borough Council’s planning committee.

Whistle Trago’s premises are in a Grade II listed building so it had to apply to the authority for listed building consent to make alterations.

A report by planning officers, which was presented at the meeting, said: “The proposed basement floor plan shows a function room, bar area, two storage areas, WCs and the existing rear yard and fire escape via a flight of stairs.

“The proposed works will not affect the character and appearance of this Grade II listed building. Furthermore, they will preserve and enhance the property.”

The council received four letters of objection to the scheme.

Objectors said use of the back yard would result in associated noise and disturbance, as well as a loss in privacy.

But one letter of support said Whistle Trago always had the interests of nearby residents at heart and a bar downstairs would help keep noise to a minimum.

Planning officers recommended approval of the scheme ahead of Wednesday’s meeting.

Councillor Matthew Beaver said: “I see no reason why this should not be approved.

“They seem to have gone above and beyond what was required.”

Whistle Trago’s application was granted unanimously.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage at www.hastingsobserver.co.uk/ 2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/hastingsobserver

3) Follow us on Twitter @HastingsObs

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

The Hastings Observer - always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.