A large former restaurant in a historic building in Tunbridge Wells could be converted into a home with two houses built in the grounds. The Grade II-listed property in Southborough is well-known to locals and those who regularly use the A26 London Road, as it’s close to the road.
It has had various incarnations down the years, as a pub, a Thai restaurant, a grill house, and most recently, curry house Imli, the latter being the final use of the building as a restaurant, closing in June 2023.
One set of owners many years ago was made to hastily undo their garish multi-coloured painting in of the beautiful leaded windows.
An application from Larkhall Lane Property Limited, registered address in Leigh in Tonbridge, has been made to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council to demolish the two-storey and single-storey modern extensions added at the back of the building.
It also applies to convert the restaurant building into one home. And permission to build two semi-detached, two-storey homes on the site, which would have their frontage on Doric Avenue, with two detached garages, accessed from London Road.
A 3D render of how The Weavers in London Road in Southborough in Tunbridge Wells would look
(Image: ecotecture ecological design)
The Weavers is a timber-framed former hall house and has been restored down the years. It is L-shaped and has gables over the four front windows and bays with attic windows, says Historic England in the listing details.
An interesting comment is made on the listing by a Trevor Hayman around 18 months ago, who has also posted clear photographs of the building and surrounding land.
‘Hope it’s not pulled down’
He says: “Currently derelict and boarded up, it appears to be another large roadhouse that hasn’t made it through recent events.
“Although listed as Weaver’s Restaurant, Royal Mail still have it as Maya’s Grill, although the signage is for IMLA Indian Restaurant. Hope it’s not pulled down.”
Giving reasons for demolition of aspects on site, which are said to be from 1900, and also the early 1900s to 1970, the applicant gives this summary: “The proposed removal of modern alterations is necessary to allow for the construction and public benefit of two new dwellings. “
The former restaurant The Weavers, most lately Imli since closed, in Southborough in Tunbridge Wells
(Image: Google Street View)
“The internal alterations will removed later modern partitions, allow natural daylight and ventilation to parts, and the building will return to its original domestic dwelling class use.
“The demolition of the later extensions is also a heritage benefit, as it will enhance and preserve the character of the original farmhouse, allowing the catslide to be strongly visible from the street.”
The application applies for full planning permission and listed building consent.
Where can I see the full application and all documents?
It’s an interesting read, and you can see the full submission, under reference 24/03249/FULL, by clicking on the green ‘search now’ button, then pasting that code in bold in to the Tunbridge Wells Borough Council planning portal link here.