Friday 27 November 2009

Good News



I understand that Thanet District Council have decided that asset disposal of land subject to Village Green applications should be put on hold until the outcomes are known.
This gives breathing space and time for TDC to realise what a mistake it is to sell off our coastline sites. See recent suggested sites for consultation on this link http://www.thanet.gov.uk/environment__planning/asset_disposal_site_2010_to_11.aspx
The new marine conservation bill and coastal path will only add weight to what we are trying to do with the land adjacent to Barnes Car park.

Wednesday 18 November 2009

Tuesday 17 November 2009

History

The story so far is as follows:
Following the consultation exercise by the council they published the decision to sell this land for development with a photo. It was at this time that it was realised what plot of land they were actually wanting to sell.
Several e-mails later to the council asking them to re-open consultations failed. One of our ward counsellors did contact us saying it would only be developed for community use. When asked what that meant the answer was either a cafe or what he called eco-pods posibly even coach parking. It was at this point that it was realised that it would be lost to development. Recent legislation on Village Green registration was suggested and hence an application was made.
It was necessary to support this application with evidence that this land had been used by the public for at least 20 years and is still used.
A leaflet was delivered to properties with 1/4 mile radius of the site. It was amazing the reaction it received. There was a considerable amount of disquiet about the way the council had mislead everyone and as a result a massive amount of evidence was gathered on KCC forms.

There has been support from Counsellors Iris Johnston, Tom King and County Counsellor Robert Burgess as well as the Westbrook and Westgate residents Association. Regrettably despite several e-mails to our ward counsellors Mick Tomlinson and Dean Mc Castree none of which received a reply has there been any indication as to whether they support or oppose our application.

In September we were asked to meet with a developer so he could explain a potential use for this land. A small group had a site meeting with him. The proposition was to lease this land to site 12 Eco Chalets on the plot of land between Barnes Car Park and the first slope to the West. The idea was to provide accommodation for people wanting to visit the Turner Centre. There was a frank exchange of views as it would have barred all public use of this land. It was voiced that this development would meet with very strong objection. This land is used for walking, dog walking, nature enthusiasts, children, cycling, kite flying, picnics, bar-b-Q's and a pleasant place to get away from the adjoining busy bays. It has developed into and continues to develop into a haven for birds and insects and it has been reported bats. There are wild flowers and in the spring daffodils. The cycle route passes it and it adds to the joy of coastline. We use it and do not want to lose it.

Monday 16 November 2009

WASPS


This blog is set up to support WASPS (Westbrook Against Selling Promenade Site). As a result of Thanet District Council's Asset Disposal Policy they want to sell off a piece of land adjacent to Barnes Car Park on the Westbrook Promenade for development. Unfortunately in the consultation exercise it was described as land at Barnes Avenue so residents were unaware that this land was on the promenade. When they were informed where it was they wanted to object. Unfortunately their ward counsellors were not listening to their pleas so it was decided to apply to register this land as a Village Green. Support for this has been overwhelming and evidence from 144 people has been submitted to KCC .

The people of this locality are very fond of this piece of land and do not want it developed. It is used by so many people and has been for several years. It is a quiet natural place between two busy bays and has become haven for wildlife.
The application for Village Green is on the KCC register and is likely to actioned soon so watch this space for further updates coming soon.