2 weeks Ago
Plans have been submitted to convert a former workshop into a live music and theatre venue. The proposal seeks approval from Hastings Borough Council to transform the site at the rear of 2-3 Mercatoria, St Leonards, into a space for live performances and a drinking establishment. The application was submitted on behalf of The Horse and Groom, a pub in St Leonards.
According to the application, the former workshop, located behind The Horse & Groom Public House, has already been used informally as an entertainment and live performance venue for many years. The application now seeks to formalise this use. The workshop was originally used as a garage but ceased operations many years ago.
Since then, it has primarily served as an entertainment venue for the Horse & Groom Public House. The two buildings are interconnected, sharing toilet facilities, and the pub itself is a Grade II listed building. READ NEXT: Striking 19th century church could be at risk of demolition The application states: "The unit is located to the rear of The Horse & Groom Public House.
"The public house and workshop are linked, with access between the units being within a corridor to the rear of the pub. "It has been used as an entertainment and live performance venue for many years. "The application seeks to formalise the unit as an events venue for live music, theatre, and a drinking establishment.
" The site, which is adjacent to a restaurant, is also surrounded by residential buildings and other workshops. A previous planning application was rejected in March 2014 due to concerns over noise disturbances to local residents. However, the new application includes a Sound Insulation Test Report that proposes improved soundproofing measures to address these concerns.
The application also highlights the economic and social benefits of formalising the venue's current usage. READ NEXT: Plans to turn beach toilets into cafe approved It states that it would provide additional income to support the Horse and Groom Public House, ensuring its long-term continuation as a heritage asset. "No internal or external changes are proposed, and as such, there would be no impact upon the setting of any heritage assets," the application explains.
"Overall, the scheme would result in economic and social benefits, providing a community hub for live music and events. "It would also support the adjoining public house business. In turn, this would help ensure that the Horse & Groom remains in its optimal viable use as a heritage asset.
" The proposal can be viewed using the reference HS/FA/25/00097..
