Brewery secures permission for Heathfield micropub

In a decision issued on Tuesday (November 3), Wealden District Council has approved proposals to convert a vacant shop at 47 High Street into a licensed bar.

The change of use application had been submitted by Three Acres Brewery, which is based on a farm nearby to Blackboys.

In application documents, the brewery argues the change of use would “revitalise” the building and benefit the wider community.

As part of the application, a spokesman for the brewery said: “The change of use will provide employment for people in the local area, specifically younger people who may have less work experience.

“It will also allow the premises to generate an income with reinvestment of the profits into the premises for continued maintenance and preservation following a period of neglect.

“The change of use of the building will significantly improve the condition of the building whilst allowing it to generate an income with reinvestment of the profits into the premises and the growing business.”

The spokesman added: “This is an appropriate and efficient use of previously developed land within the existing development boundary. It will quickly revitalise a currently vacant unit enhancing the town centre environment.”

The application saw a significant amount of support, with Wealden District Council receiving a total of 102 letters backing the proposals.

It also received three letters of objection, which raised concerns around parking and disturbance to residential amenity.

The council’s pollution control team had also raised an objection linked to potential disturbance.

For their part, Wealden planning officers had said late opening hours would be “out of character with the area” as it is largely made up of retail units.

But they also noted how there are already some businesses with later opening hours in the area, including the recently-approved Two Tails Taproom — another micropub — at 38 High Street.

Ultimately, planning officers felt the scheme should be approved subject to conditions. These include conditions: restricting opening hours; preventing the preparation of hot food (due to odour concerns); and prohibiting the playing of amplified music.