Home   Sittingbourne   News   Article

Dancing Dog Saloon pub in Sheppey Way, Sittingbourne, could be turned into house

Rejected plans to turn a Western-styled pub into a home have been resubmitted.

The Dancing Dog Saloon closed its doors last April after struggling with the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

If approved, plans would see the former Western-styled pub transformed into a house. Picture: Google
If approved, plans would see the former Western-styled pub transformed into a house. Picture: Google

The beloved-themed bar had been running for 20 years.

Plans were put forward to turn the watering hole, on Sheppey Way between Bobbing and Iwade, into a house, but were refused in December.

Planning officers said the application failed to produce evidence demonstrating there was no demand to retain the site as a pub.

The applicant, former landlord Shaun Egan, was advised the building needed to be marketed for at least six months to gauge potential interest in keeping it going – something which has now been completed without success.

The latest planning statement states keeping the site as a pub was “unviable” and that it had only lasted as long as it had due to the personal investment of the owners.

The Dancing Dog Saloon closed its doors in April 2022
The Dancing Dog Saloon closed its doors in April 2022

It stated there had been “no viable interest from potential buyers despite an extensive marketing period”.

It concluded converting the building into a home, which would have at least four bedrooms, would be the best way to bring it back into use.

Currently the pub has two bedrooms on its first floor, but under the plan it would become a two-storey detached house with at least two further bedrooms.

Its car park would be morphed into a garden, with just four spaces remaining, and the appearance of the building would remain unchanged.

The pub was once used as a set for the film Life and Times of Holly Turner in 2017, which featured former Bill actor Jeff Stewart.

The old diner would be replaced with a two-storey house and see its car park morphed into a garden. Picture: Dancing Dog Saloon Facebook
The old diner would be replaced with a two-storey house and see its car park morphed into a garden. Picture: Dancing Dog Saloon Facebook
The once-popular pub could be turned into a detached house. Picture: Dancing Dog Saloon Facebook
The once-popular pub could be turned into a detached house. Picture: Dancing Dog Saloon Facebook

Speaking at the time it shut, Mr Egan said: "We were putting our own money into the establishment way before that, but with rising costs we decided that we just couldn't go on.

"We're very sad that we had to close and not happy about it, but the saloon was no longer financially viable - hopefully something new will take its place in the future."

To view and comment on the application, click here using reference 23/503260/FULL.

Additional documents noted the location of the pub and the cost of supplies also contributed to its closure.

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More