A new proposal aims to transform Dartford’s Papermakers Arms into a car showroom. The community is divided, with some supporting the change while others mourn the loss of the pub.
Dartford: A planning application has been submitted to change the old Papermakers Arms into a car showroom. This spot has been empty since April 2022, despite efforts to sell it.
SBT Estates bought the building in August 2024. It’s right next to Hawley Garden Centre, making it easy to access from Hawley Road.
The plan includes modernizing the building. They want to replace old windows and doors with sleek aluminium ones. Plus, they’ll add large sliding doors to make it more inviting.
Unfortunately, the Papermakers Arms has had serious damp issues. The application says this is due to neglect and roof damage over the years.
To fix this, they’ll strip the interior back to the brick. New walls and ceilings will be put in to tackle the damp and make sure the building is safe.
The car showroom will be open from 9 am to 6:30 pm. They plan to have about ten viewings a week, mostly by appointment.
There will be parking on-site, and they promise to keep traffic to a minimum. They want to make sure it doesn’t disrupt the area.
Along with the renovations, the showroom is expected to create local jobs. They plan to hire up to ten people, both full-time and part-time.
The community has mixed feelings about this change. Some folks are sad to see the pub go, as it was a local hangout.
One resident suggested a Tesco Express would be a better fit, saying there aren’t many shops nearby for essentials.
Others worry about having a car showroom so close to busy Hawley Road. They fear it could lead to chaos if not managed properly.
On the flip side, some locals are happy about the new owner’s efforts to clean up the place. One neighbor praised the owners for keeping the site tidy.
The application mentions various planning policies, including the National Planning Policy Framework. It notes that the pub was marketed for a year but didn’t attract any buyers.
SBT Estates believes this project will bring social and economic benefits to the area. They argue it will replace a vacant building with something useful.
The consultation period ends on January 31, with a decision expected by March 6. Public comments are still welcome.
Cllr George Holt has urged residents to share their thoughts. He acknowledged the loss of the pub but emphasized the importance of supporting local businesses.
He’s eager to hear what the community thinks about the proposal. The council will weigh community feedback and potential economic benefits before making a final decision.
