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Search the Public Notice PortalOwners of a sports bar say they will "go bankrupt" if their retrospective planning application is rejected.
Owners of The Chapel, a sports and live entertainment bar that opened in June 2024 at 55 High Street, Battle, have recently submitted a retrospective planning application for a change of use of the premises.
The previous occupier was the restaurant Trinity of Battle, and the new owners say they weren't aware that permission for a change of use would be needed, as both they and their predecessors sold food and drink.
They say that have not made any internal or external changes to the property.
Applicant Anna Stewart wrote in the application that they were already committed to a 10-year, £250,000 lease, and that if their retrospective proposal for the change of use was rejected, they would "personally go bankrupt".
In the planning application, Ms Stewart stated: "We opened The Chapel on June 6, 2024.
"We were not made aware that we needed planning approval for a change of use, as we are still a restaurant and bar."
She further added: "Initially, we were not well accepted by a minority of residents who have made things difficult for us, but most Battle residents tell us we are an asset to the town."
Ms Stewart has proposed the following opening hours in the application: Monday to Thursday, 11am to 11pm; Friday, 11am to 12.30am; Saturday and Sunday, 9am to 12.30am.
The Chapel is located in an area with various other bars and restaurants.
Ms Stewart noted: "Battle is now a vibrant town again. Before we opened our three businesses, it was full of empty buildings.
"We bring custom to the high street, which benefits all businesses, and our music evenings in The Chapel bring people from outside of the area."
The Chapel also aims to continue selling food from 12 noon to 9pm, with breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays starting at 9am.
The business currently employs 17 people.
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Ms Stewart warned that without planning approval, they would face bankruptcy trying to cover the £250,000 lease and would have to close.
She concluded: "Previous restaurants have all gone bankrupt in this building. Our business is working."
The plans can be viewed using the reference RR/2025/730/P on the Rother District Council planning portal.
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