The Craftsman Pub in Hamlet Court Road, Westcliff, has lodged an appeal with the Government’s planning inspectorate after being ordered to remove uPVC windows which were deemed “out of keeping” with the rest of the road.
M and A Knightsbridge Properties, who own the building, previously said they are at risk of “going under” if they are forced to pay £40,000 to replace the windows.
The landlord is now going to the planning inspectorate, on ground F, meaning they are looking for action against the enforcement decision and would be looking to reach a “fair outcome”.
This could see the windows clad in vinyl to give them a wooden effect, costing £3,000 as opposed to the huge cost of tearing them out.
Before – The Craftsman Pub before the new windows (Image: Matthew Dickins)
Director, Matthew Dickens, said: “If we were to vinyl wrap the windows, they would remain and it might cost around £3,000, whereas to replace them would cost £40,000 or more as we would have to close for trading.
“If the planning inspectorate sides with us, other routes could be explored but the council don’t seem to want to, despite them providing the grant to place the windows in the first place.
“We never thought there would be an issue.”
Southend Council originally gave the pub a £17,000 grant to replace the windows in 2022 to help give the venue a fresh and modern look.
The work was completed on July 11, 2022 with an email seen by the Echo showing the landlord was congratulated on the welcome appearance of the new windows.
Mr Dickins added: “With the planning inspectorate there is a 50/50 chance, we are hoping they are independent in their decision and will base our appeal on the facts laid out.
“I hope they can take that into consideration, we are sure this is our only chance or the windows will have to be replaced.”
Mr Dickens added that he cannot see this being determined for another six months by the inspectorate.
Anne Jones, councillor for planning, said: “We are unable to comment on individual planning enforcement cases.”