Application Made To Refurbish Hastings Wetherspoons Entrance

Wetherspoons has put in plans to refurbish the front of its branch in Hastings.

In an application validated by Hastings Borough Council last week, JD Wetherspoon PLC is seeking planning approval for changes at the John Logie Baird Public House in Havelock Road.

The pub chain is seeking planning permission to remove the bar’s front terrace, replacing it with an expanded internal area and a new frontage.

In documents submitted as part of the application, a Wetherspoons spokesman said:

“Currently, the existing façade and layout—including the terrace seating positioned directly in front of the building—restrict outward views for customers inside the pub.

"This setup creates a visual barrier, limiting the sense of openness and connection to the surrounding environment.

“The new shopfront design aims to reverse this by opening up sightlines, creating a more inviting atmosphere, and establishing a stronger interaction between the pub and the public realm outside.

"This not only enhances the customer experience within the venue but also contributes positively to the street scene.”

The application says the entrance to the bar would also be re-arranged as part of the proposals.

Currently, it has two main entrances on either side of the terrace, but the proposals would see the right-hand entrance (from the outside looking in) become a dedicated fire exit.

A spokesman for the applicant sets out how the change of entrance is intended to address conflict with a nearby bus stop.

The applicant says the position of this bus stop and entrance has been “contributing to congestion and crowding in front of the pub.”

For further information see application reference HS/FA/25/00280 on the Hastings Borough Council planning portal.