Canterbury office block transformation to include rooftop restaurant recommended for approval

Plans to transform a 1960s office block in Canterbury into a mixed-use development featuring apartments and a rooftop restaurant have been recommended for approval.

Newingate House is a five-storey structure near St George's roundabout on the edge of the city centre.

Under the plans, a rooftop extension would be constructed to form an additional floor which would be occupied by a restaurant.

An existing side office block would be knocked down to make way for a five-storey extension comprising ten apartments, while the basement would be converted into additional office space.

The scheme has been recommended for approval ahead of a Canterbury City Council planning meeting today.

A document filed ahead of the meeting said: "The loss of a relatively small amount of office space that would result from this development is outweighed by the enhancements to character and appearance of the conservation area.

"Furthermore, the provision of a rooftop restaurant will positively contribute to the vitality and viability of the town centre and would have an acceptable impact on neighbouring properties."