A planning application has been submitted to Dartford Borough Council to change the use of the former Papermakers Arms on Hawley Road.
The proposal by SBT Estates aims to bring new life to the vacant building, which has stood empty since April 2022 despite marketing efforts by two estate agents including Sidney Phillips, a leisure and hospitality specialist.
The site, purchased by SBT Estates in August 2024, is next to Hawley Garden Centre and accessible from the main Hawley Road.
The plan includes replacing many of the building’s existing windows and doors with modern aluminium-framed units, installing large sliding and folding doors and upgrading glazing for improved energy efficiency and aesthetics.
The Papermakers Arms has suffered from significant damp issues, which the application attributes to long-term neglect and roof damage.
To address this, the interior will be stripped back to the brick and fully refurbished, with new walls and ceilings installed to eliminate the damp and ensure the building is structurally sound.
The proposed car showroom will operate from 9am to 6.30pm and handle up to 10 weekly viewings, most of which will be by appointment.
Parking will be provided on-site, and the business intends to maintain minimal traffic impact given its controlled operations.
Alongside these renovations, the new car showroom is expected to provide local employment opportunities, with plans to hire up to ten individuals on a mix of full-time and part-time contracts.
The application has drawn mixed reactions from the local community. Some residents are upset of the loss of the pub, once a key community asset, and suggest alternative uses that could better serve the area.
One resident said in a comment on the application: “It’s a shame to lose the Papermakers Arms but a shop like a Tesco Express would make more sense.
“There are no decent shops nearby for essentials.”
Others expressed concerns about the suitability of a car showroom in the area, particularly given its proximity to busy Hawley Road.
One resident said: “Car dealers often assume surrounding areas can serve as extensions of their forecourts. Without clear enforcement this could cause chaos on an already busy road.”
However, some locals have shown support for the project, applauding the new owner’s efforts to clean up the neglected property.
A neighbour commented:“ The building has been left to rot for years. The new owners have done a great job so far and kept the site clean and tidy.”
The application references national and local planning policies including the National Planning Policy Framework and Dartford’s Local Plan.
Notably, Policy M23 requires evidence of proactive marketing for 12 months before allowing the loss of a public house.
The Papermakers Arms was marketed as a hospitality venue but failed to attract a buyer for such purposes.
SBT Estates claims it will “deliver significant social and economic benefits to this area while not resulting in any detrimental harm to the areas surrounding environment.
“The proposal will contribute to the increase in economic activity in the area, in place of a similar activity that is no longer in use and has been abandoned.”
The consultation period ends on Friday, January 31, with a decision expected by Thursday, March 6. Public comments are still being accepted.
Cllr George Holt has encouraged residents to participate. He said: “As I’ve shared before, the new owner plans to convert the Papermakers Arms into a car showroom.
“It is obviously disappointing for Hawley to lose it’s village pub, it’s an unfortunate reminder of how vital it is to support our local businesses to ensure their success & continued existence.
“However, we need to look ahead, and I’m eager to hear your views on this proposal.
“Please take a moment to have your say by submitting your comments through the public consultation process.”
The council will consider community feedback and the potential economic benefits of the development before making its final decision.