Two notable Whitstable planning applications are to be considered by Canterbury city councillors on Tuesday 11th January, and both have the backing of council officers.

JD Wetherspoon's scheme to convert the Oxford Bingo Hall - formerly a cinema - into a pub has already gained licensing approval. The planning officers' report to councillors (click link for full details) says there will be no amplified music, no sporting events, no live bands and no 'happy hours'. There are likely to be 2 or 3 plasma screens showing Sky News with subtitles (volume being turned off).

The officers, in advising councillors to grant planning permission, say permitting the change of use will retain a historically important building, provide a community facility and create at least 50 jobs.

Two petitions against the plan and 17 letters of objection have been sent to the council, anticipating anti-social behaviour, noise and loss of character to the town - however Whitstable Society has pointed out some potential benefits include a source of cheap meals for local residents and increased economic activity in the weaker end of town.

An application to demolish Ernie's Plaice, a fish and chip restaurant on the Thanet Way, and replace it with a 19-bedroom motel will be discussed by councillors at the same meeting and is also recommended for approval. The plans include a new restaurant with separate take-away. Two previous planning applications for the same usage were turned down because they were considered too bulky for the site, but the current plan reduces the number of rooms, scales down the size of the building and sets it back further from the road.

The planning officers' report (click link for full details) explains that these changes mean that the council's previous objections have now been overcome.

Letters and petitions both for and against the scheme have been received by the council.

• Both these issues will be debated at CCC's Development Control Committee meeting on Tuesday January 11th (along with other planning matters across the district), starting at 6.30pm in the Guildhall, Westgate, Canterbury. If any member of the public wishes to speak on any item on the agenda, they should give notice to the Chief Executive of the council by 12.30pm on Monday 12th January. Further information about public participation can be found by following this link.