A former pub owned by an internationally acclaimed artist is to be turned into a new home.
The Brown Jug served punters across three centuries having been converted from a farm cottage in 1795.
But it closed its doors in December 2019 and has remained empty ever since.
However, Margate-born artist Dame Tracey Emin purchased the property located between Ramsgate and Broadstairs two years later and applied for planning permission in June 2023 to convert it into residential use.
The popular artist’s latest projectwill see her overhaul the 921sq m property opposite Dumpton Park’s Nissan car dealership.
Thanet District Council (TDC) has approved her plans for the Grade II-listed building in Ramsgate Road to become a new, private two-bedroom home.
Pegasus Group, which submitted the proposal on behalf of Ms Emin, says the project will transform the former pub, which it describes as currently being “in a state of disrepair”.
New timber, Georgian-style sash windows and the insertion of a bathroom and kitchen are some of the many changes planned to go ahead.
This is alongside new doors, replacement lights and a paint job inside the building.
However, its walls, floors, ceilings and roof will be retained, as will the original fireplaces and bar.
Information released by the company in planning documents says: “It has been demonstrated The Brown Jug provides limited community value due to its poor state and facilities.
“There are other public houses within the town centres of Ramsgate and Broadstairs which the site sits between and whose catchment areas cover The Brown Jug’s own catchment area.
“Therefore, the loss of the public house will not impact the function nor character of the local community and there are nearby equivalent facilities that are easily accessible.”
Once overhauled, the premises, which has also been without central heating for several years, will see its six car parking spaces remain.
The basement will also be used for bicycle and storage purposes while the rear garden will be landscaped.
Originally known as The Queen’s Arms Tap, it is believed the pub’s current name The Brown Jug first appeared in an auction sale listing from 1813.
More recently, the boozer had been run by sisters Jenny and Myrna Scudder when the pair took over in the 1960s.
After Myrna died 15 years ago, her sister continued running the watering hole in Ramsgate Road before eventually closing its doors due to health reasons more than five years ago.
However, plans to wave goodbye to the pub have not gone down well with residents, who believe it would continue to serve as a popular meeting point should it have ever reopened.
Resident Louise Harrison said: “Please do not allow this historically and socially important pub (a community hub) to be lost.
“I remember this lovely place from my childhood when with my parents and other family friends and later as I began to enjoy pubs as a real ale drinker.
“I know it has fallen into disrepair, but I’m sure that at least the pub area could be kept as a pub while the floors above could be converted into residential use by the applicant?”
Meanwhile, June Stone added: “It is a local landmark and a beautiful building.
“It can also supply work for local people and [be] a place to sell local produce.
“This is a community asset that mustn’t be lost to the community.”
Emin, known for her drawing, painting, sculpture, film and photography work, is a member of the Young British Artists movement of the 1980s, a Turner Prize nominee, and a member of the Royal Academy of Art.
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