Take care with firworks says MP. Press release.

Stay safe and think about your neighbours in the run up to Fireworks Day, says local MP Stephen Ladyman.Stephen Ladyman says"Fireworks can be great fun but they annoy some people and can frighten pets. They are also dangerous in the wrong hands.

A lot of older people and people with dogs and other pets get really upset with fireworks especially if people are still using them weeks after Firworks night.

We've changed the law to help but even when using firworks legally people need to think about their neighbours and take care to use them safely.Fireworks must not be sold to anyone who is under 18 by law and they cannot be carried in a public place and the police can fine those who cause disturbance late at night, let off fireworks in the street or who carry fireworks in public."Consumers Minister Kevin Brennan adds:"Bonfire night is a time families enjoy.

But unfortunately accidents can and do happen. Even if you think you know how to handle fireworks look again at the Fireworks Code to ensure you and your loved ones have a safe and happy time on bonfire night."

ENDSNotes for editors

The attached picture shows Stephen Ladyman MP and minister Kevin Brennan.1. It is against the law to possess fireworks in public if you're under 18.2. It is against the law to throw or set off fireworks in the street.3. Fireworks must not be sold to anyone who is under 18.4. Penalties:It is an offence under section 80 of the Explosives Act 1875 to throw or set off fireworks in any highway, street, thoroughfare or public place. The power to enforce this section of the Act rests with the police. Anyone found guilty is liable to pay a fine of up to £5,000 and can be imprisoned for up to six months. Penalty notices for disorder (on-the-spot fines) can also be issued for this offence, attracting the upper tier fine of £80.In Regulations made under the Fireworks Act 2003, it is also an offence for the under 18s to possess fireworks in a public place and for anyone to let fireworks off during night hours ( 11pm to 7am). Police also have the power to issue penalty notices for disorder for these offences. Again, the offence attracts the upper tier fine of £80.Under section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 it is an offence to cause any unnecessary suffering to any domestic or captive animals. The penalty on conviction is either imprisonment up to 51 weeks or a fine of up to £20,000 or both. Enforcement of this section of the Act rests with Trading Standards, the Police or the RSPCA as appropriate.5. The firework code:* Only buy fireworks marked BS 7114.* Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks.* Keep fireworks in a closed box.* Follow the instructions on each firework.* Light at arm's length, using a taper.* Stand well back.* Never go near a firework that has been lit. Even if it hasn’t gone off, it could still explode.* Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them.* Always supervise children around fireworks.* Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves.* Never give sparklers to a child under five.* Keep pets indoors.

FINE FOR RAMSGATE MAN OVER DUMPED RUBBISH

A Ramsgate man has been fined a total of £350 and ordered to pay costs of £100, after he pleaded guilty to dumping rubbish and failing to have a waste carriers licence.

Thanet Council's Environmental Protection team were contacted in May by the local Kent County Council community warden, who alerted them that rubbish had been dumped behind Minster sewage works, just off Marsh Farm Road.

A three piece sofa, two rugs, pieces of wood from broken furniture, grey plastic furniture and builder's waste were all dumped on the ground.

Following enquiries, Neil Jones from Highfield Close, Ramsgate was charged with transporting waste without being registered and dumping rubbish. He pleaded guilty to the charges at Margate magistrates court and was fined £100 for the first offence and £250 for the second. He was additionally ordered to pay £100 costs and a victim surcharge of £15.

Environmental Protection Manager, Penny Button, said: "This case highlights the true cost of dumping rubbish, which came to nearly £500 for this person. It's a stiff penalty to pay and if you want to transport waste as part of a business, it's so much easier to register with the Environment Agency as a Waste Carrier and to ensure that the waste is properly disposed of. Dumping rubbish should never be an option. It's something our residents want us to clamp down on and, where we can find the evidence, we will take action."

TACKLING ISSUES IN CLIFTONVILLE

Action has been taken in Cliftonville to tackle problems of drinking in the street and cycling offences.

Both issues were raised at meetings of Partners and Communities Together (PACT) in the area, with concern raised about drinking on the street, mainly around St. Paul's Church. As a result, local officers have taken action, pouring away drink from those consuming it in a pubic place.

Another issue raised was about cycling offences, mainly in the Northdown Road area and five Fixed Penalty Notices have now been handed out to cyclists on pavements. Others have been advised that they should be wearing reflective clothing and lights when they are riding in the dark.

Lacy Dixon from the Thanet Community Safety Partnership said: "It's clear these initiatives are having an impact and are helping to tackle some of the problems identified by local people. The word has certainly spread about the crackdown on street drinking and there has been a noticeable reduction in drinking since these measures were first introduced. Local people have also commented on the drop in cycling offences. Again, they've seen the local officers out, handing out either advice or fines to cyclists and the messages on this problem is also doing the rounds."

For more information on the work being done in Cliftonville to help tackle local people's priorities, contact Lacy Dixon at the Thanet Community Safety Partnership on 01843 577608.

Last weeks planning applications,

Ed. The TDC planning website is one of the most bizarre websites I have ever come across in as much as the web addresses of the pages on it change after a few hours so you can’t publish links to them. If you want to look at any of the applications you need to go to the site and enter the application reference in the search box, this link takes you to the site http://www.ukplanning.com/thanet


23 Oct 2009
A/TH/09/0789
BUS SHELTER OUTSIDE NORTHDOWN SURGERY, NORTHDOWNPARK ROAD, MARGATE, GT9 2TU
current
23 Oct 2009
A/TH/09/0799
PALM BAY LAUNDERETTE 15 SUMMERFIELD ROAD CLIFTONVILLE MARGATE CT93EZ
current
23 Oct 2009
A/TH/09/0800
SHELTER 0077 OUTSIDE LALEHAM SCHOOL, NORTH DOWN PARK ROAD,MARGATE,CT92TP
current
23 Oct 2009
A/TH/09/0801
SPECSAVERS OPTICIANS 78 HIGH STREET MARGATE CT91DT
current
23 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0743
3 YORK GATE HOUSE HARBOUR STREET BROADSTAIRS CT101EU
current
23 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0754
2 SOUTHWOOD ROAD, RAMSGATE, CT11 OAA
current
23 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0773
49 GORDON ROAD WESTWOOD MARGATE CT94EA
current
23 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0795
1 WALNUT TREE COTTAGES COLDSWOOD ROAD RAMSGATE CT125AH
current
23 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0798
15 SUMMERFIELD ROAD CLIFTONVILLE MARGATE CT93EZ
current
23 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0809
OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEA CHURCH, BROADSTAIRS ROAD,BROADSTAIRS, CT10 2RH
current
23 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0816
HUNDREDS FARM COTTAGE CANTERBURY ROAD WESTGATE-ON-SEA CT88LU
current
23 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0817
40-46 SWEYN ROAD CLIFTONVILLE MARGATE CT92DF
current
23 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0818
44 GREENFIELD ROAD RAMSGATE CT126TX
current
23 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0821
25A CARLTON AVENUE BROADSTAIRS CT101AG
current
23 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0829
CUSTOM HOUSE, HARBOUR PARADE, RAMSGATE, CT11 8LJ
current
23 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0834
1 NEWCASTLE Hill, RAMSGATE, CT11 8NH
current
23 Oct 2009
L/TH/09/0767
42 WEST CLIFF ROAD BROADSTAIRS CT101PU
current
23 Oct 2009
L/TH/09/0830
CUSTOM HOUSE, HARBOUR PARADE, RAMSGATE, CT11 8LJ
current
20 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0722
7 CAROLINE SQUARE MARGATE CT91SS
current
20 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0804
54 WHITFIELD AVENUE BROADSTAIRS CT103HX
current
20 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0807
ST. GEORGES CLIFF PROMENADE BROADSTAIRS CT103QY
current
20 Oct 2009
L/TH/09/0729
THE OLD FORGE, MANOR ROAD, ST NICHOLAS AT WADE,BIRCHINGTON, CT7 0NY
current
20 Oct 2009
L/TH/09/0796
CONNEX SOUTH EAST RAMSGATE RAILWAY STATION STATION APPROACH ROAD RAMSGATE CT117RE
current

MORE COMMUNITY CRIME FIGHTERS FOR THANET

Ten more Thanet residents have undergone the training to become Community Crime Fighters in the areas they live in.

They attended a Home Office event in Brighton, following a previous event in Southampton that trained four local people. All the residents are part of community groups already or have a significant interest in local concerns.

Community Crime Fighters are part of the Home Office led Neighbourhood Crime and Justice initiative. Thanet was chosen as the only Neighbourhood Crime and Justice pilot area in Kent, with the Thanet Community Safety Partnership leading on this work.

As well as Community Crime Fighters, the pilot also focuses on community payback and giving back to society, seeing justice done by advertising action taken by the police and council against offenders to the local community. Other parts of the initiative are improved services for victims and witnesses in anti-social behaviour cases and improved ways of engaging with the community.

The residents were given a much better understanding of these issues on the day and had the opportunity to ask key government figures questions about the future of policing and council plans to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour. Residents also took part in workshops and had the opportunity to discuss their opinions and concerns with other residents from across the country.

The Thanet residents were so impressed with the knowledge they gained on the day, that the majority now plan to apply to do a two day training course in Chester, which is a more intensive experience that will give them more expert knowledge to lead community groups and educate others. They will also have the opportunity to apply for a pot of funding at this stage to make small improvements to tackle local concerns.

Carol Russell and Chris Carter of Ramsgate said: "We learnt so much and it will help us greatly in the future to try and make our neighbourhood not only safer, but a more enjoyable place to live in. We now both intend to go on the advanced training in Chester."

Neighbourhood Crime and Justice Coordinator, Tiffany Hall, said: "I was really proud of the residents that came along to Brighton. They all made a great impression, got really involved, and spoke honestly about their feelings about anti-social behaviour in Thanet and what improvements could be made. With the knowledge they now have, they will be able to go back to their respective community groups and pass on information about the policing pledge, tools and powers to tackle anti-social behaviour and what services the public should expect from the government and local crime fighting agencies".

There is one more opportunity to attend a community crime fighter event, on Wednesday 25 November 2009 in London. For more information, contact Tiffany on 01843 577910. The events are free to attend, transport costs can be claimed back and lunch is also provided.

SUSPENDED JAIL SENTENCE OVER BENEFIT FRAUD

A Ramsgate woman has been given a suspended prison sentence, after pleading guilty to benefit fraud.

Joanne Adie (31), of West Dumpton Lane had been in receipt of Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and Income Support on the basis that she was a single person. In her applications for benefit, she failed to declare that her husband had actually been living with her for three years.

In an interview, under caution, she denied that her husband was living with her. When first interviewed, her husband also denied living with Adie and said he spent time at his mother's. He was interviewed for a second time, once further enquiries had been made, and he admitted that he had actually been living with his wife for three years.

As a result of this, Adie was overpaid £17,292.87 in Housing Benefits, £2,343.74 in Council Tax Benefits and £6,777.12 in Income Support.

She pleaded guilty at Margate Magistrates to all charges and was sent to Canterbury Crown Court for sentencing, due to the size of the overpayment. She was given a 12 month prison sentence, suspended for two years, 250 hours of unpaid work and a 12 month supervision order.

Judge Van Der Bijl, who sentenced Adie, said: "The punishment has to be a deterrent to others. This is a serious matter and cannot just be washed away. The taxpayers, that's me, builders and plumbers, have to pay for this."

To notify the council of a change in your circumstances, you can contact the council on 01843 577000. To report benefit fraud, call 01843 577369.

KOREAN VISIT TO PORT OF RAMSGATE

A delegation from the South Korean government has visited the Port of Ramsgate and Ramsgate Royal Harbour Marina.

The delegation of 17 people, which visited on Wednesday (21 October), was led by Yong-Gynn Jung, Deputy Director of the Ministry for Food, Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries. Its members included leaders from Korean business, maritime engineers and representatives of the fishing industry.

He explained that the principal interest was learning from European Union experience about how coastal towns could prosper from marina development, whilst retaining an active fishing industry and strengthening existing local business.

The delegation had already visited Boulogne and was scheduled to visit Brighton before returning home.

Director of Regeneration Services, Brian White, said: "We had a very positive meeting with the delegation from South Korea, who were very enthusiastic and complimentary about the range of different businesses successfully operating around the port and marina. It seems that coastal towns in South Korea have experienced the same economic problems as those in the UK, in their case because of decline in fishing. The delegation was particular interested in how our historic Royal Harbour had become the one of the best marinas in Kent. Much of that is down to the huge variety of businesses we have using the harbour and that's an aspect that the delegation were very interested to hear more about."

SPORT GETS GOOD MARKS FROM THANET'S YOUNG PEOPLE

New survey results show how popular sport or physical activity is amongst Thanet's young people.

The survey was part of the registration process for the Summer Sports Programme 2009, produced by Thanet District Council's Sport Matters team.

Of those responding, more than 90% said their children take part in some form of sport or physical activity outside of school, with almost half participating in activity for between one and three hours a week. A quarter take part in between four and five hours of activity each week.

Other results showed that more than half of those who responded were members of local sports clubs, with football and swimming the most popular clubs, following by running and martial arts.

The survey also asked about which activities children would like to see, with football and ice-skating the most popular responses. In total, 29 different sports were listed in answer to this question, ranging from ice skating to korfball and gymnastics to karate and rock climbing.

The results come after a successful summer of sports activities for young people, with hundreds taking part over the school holidays, including 548 at one event alone, the Summer Slam, that was held at Hartsdown Park. The summer sports programme attracted over 3,000 attendances from those five to 18 years, across the five weeks of activities.

Sports Development Officer, Martyn Cassell, said: "These results are exceptionally encouraging and highlight how important sport or physical activity is for many young people. That's something we've seen in the Sport Matters team with the huge range of activities that we put on during the year for young people. The numbers taking part over the summer holidays were excellent and just demonstrate the enthusiasm that many young people have for sport."

FINE FOR GARLINGE WOMAN OVER BENEFITS FRAUD

A Garlinge woman has been fined £1,000 and ordered to pay £1,000 costs, after being found guilty of benefit fraud.

Joanne Devlin (43), formerly from Birds Avenue, Garlinge, was in receipt of Housing Benefit, based on the fact that she was a lone parent. She failed to notify Thanet District Council that her landlord was also the father of her child, and she was therefore not entitled to claim Housing Benefit for the property. As a result, she was overpaid benefit of £2,412.67.

Mrs. Devlin was invited for interview on five occasions, but never attended these appointments. She also failed to attend court on two occasions and a warrant was issued. She attended the next hearing and pleaded not guilty, electing for trial at the Magistrates Court.

At the trial, she offered no evidence to suggest that the father was not her landlord and the Magistrates found her guilty of the offence of dishonestly making a false statement. The magistrates stated that "it was impossible to believe that, when fraud was suggested, no explanation was given" by Mrs. Devlin. She was fined £1,000 and was ordered to pay £1,000 towards the prosecution costs.

To notify the council of a change in your circumstances, call 01843 577368.

LATEST RESULTS FROM OPERATION CLEAN SWEEP

Suspicious benefit claims, potential houses in multiple occupation, fire safety concerns and removal of 14 tons of rubbish are amongst the most recent successes of Operation Clean Sweep.

The operation, led by Thanet District Council, also draws together officers from Kent Police, the UK Border Agency, Kent Fire and Rescue Service, Kent County Council and EDF. The teams hit streets in Cliftonville earlier this week in a one day operation (Tuesday 20 October) and inspected around 50 properties, uncovering a number of problems.

Seven notices were issued on the owners of properties for having rubbish dumped on their premises. Of these, three were cleared by the owners prior to Clean Sweep, three more were cleared by the Clean Sweep team on the day, with the owners being billed for the cost of the work. In the final case, the notice still has time to run, before action is taken.

Volunteers from Hang 10 removed rubbish from alleyways and, in total, 14 tons of rubbish was cleared away, following the day.

The UK Border Agency spoke to a number of people and collected intelligence for further investigations. Seven parking tickets were issued and four benefits claims were cancelled, with investigations underway into others. Further investigations are also underway into several potential Houses in Multiple Occupation, with action being taken under the housing and planning laws against one confirmed HMO. Fire safety concerns were also raised by Kent Fire and Rescue Services at two premises and advice was given on how to improve the situation.

Graffiti was removed around Margate seafront, and the Schmidt machine, which cleans the pavements, and the Fido machine, which cleans up dog mess, were also in operation in the same area.

Street Scene Manager, Bob Spicer, said: "As with previous Operation Clean Sweeps, we're finding a lot less problems when we return to areas, such as Cliftonville, than when we first started. That's a really positive step forward and shows the difference that Clean Sweep is making. You can see a definite improvement out on the streets and that's exactly what this operation is all about."

BY-ELECTION FOR DANE VALLEY

A by-election to fill a vacancy within the Dane Valley ward of Thanet District Council will be held on Thursday 3 December.

It comes after the resignation of Cllr. Stephen Broadhurst, who had been a member of Thanet District Council since May 2007.

Those residents that have recently completed their voter registration form will be able to vote at this election. Those residents who have yet to complete their voter registration form have until Wednesday 18 November to return their forms to enable them to vote at these elections.

Electoral Services will shortly be commencing its third and final stage of its annual canvass, with canvassers carrying out door-to-door enquiries to properties where no response has been received.

To check that your name has been included on the Register of Electors, please contact Thanet District Council's Electoral Services team on 577500.

As an alternative to casting their votes at the polling station, electors can choose either a postal or proxy vote for this election. If you are not already registered for this, you will need to complete an absent voting application form. Completed application forms must be received by the Electoral Registration Officer by the following deadlines:

. New postal voting facilities - 5.00pm on Wednesday 18 November 2009.
. New proxy voting facilities - 5.00pm on Wednesday 25 November 2009.

Application forms for the absent voting facilities or registering as an elector are available by contacting the Electoral Registration Officer on 01843 577500 or by email to electoral.services@thanet.gov.uk.

Cllr. ALAN POOLE HAS MADE AN OFFICIAL COMPLAINT TO STANDARDS OFFICER.

From: Clive Hart
Sent: Thursday, October 22, 2009 5:11 PM
Subject: CONCRETE & COUNTRYSIDE
Below are the details of events at Wednesday evening's TDC Planning meeting.
No further comment will be made on this issue as a request for an investigation may be made.

22/10/2009

Tories vote to concrete over yet another piece of Thanet!

Last night Conservative Planning Committee members at Thanet District Council voted unanimously against the Planning Officers recommendation to refuse the Bradgate Caravan Park application and for 1.78 hectares of Thanet’s prime farmland to be turned into a Caravan Park.

This land is now considered ‘brown field land’ and can be further developed at a later date.
Notes for editors:
Conservative Cllr Shirley Tomlinson, under the comments section of the Agenda, made it quite clear that she supported the Caravan Park’s application even before the meeting had taken place.

The Conservative Planning Chairman called fellow Conservative Cllr Shirley Tomlinson to speak first during the debate and she proposed ‘Approval’ and Cllr Michael Tomlinson ‘seconded’.

A previous Application for the same site had already been refused. Wednesday night's application was substantially the same application again, and carried the Planning Officers recommendation to ‘refuse’ on the same ‘grounds’ as the last application.

Neither the Applicant nor his Agent spoke at the Meeting. It is most unusual for Applicant or Agent not to put their case to the Committee, especially when the recommendation is ‘refusal’.

The site is not in the Local Plan for development and the development was contrary to Thanet Local Plan Policies CC1, CC2, CC9 and T3. Kent & Medway Structure Plan SS8, EN1, EP9 and EP10.

Various headings in the report also supported ‘refusal:-

Principle of Development will not generally be permitted unless there is a need for the development that overrides the need to protect the countryside.

Loss of Best and most versatile Agricultural Land – it is acknowledged that the Caravan Park would result in the loss of prime agricultural land.

Impact on the Character of the Area – the site is located on the open Central Chalk Plateau and would undoubtedly damage the openness of the countryside.

Sustainability – the site is poorly located in relation to the primary and secondary road network and is not highly accessible by foot, cycle and public transport.

Manston Court Road- is a narrow road that does not allow two cars to pass in places. Any additional traffic would have an impact on road safety.

In the report the Planning Officer stated: - “To conclude I consider that the economic benefits to the local area would not outweigh the potential harm resulting from the loss of open countryside and the unsustainable location would result in additional vehicle movements. As such I recommend the Members refuse this application,”

Amazingly, prior to the final vote the Conservative Chairman stated that there were ‘only’ a few unimportant issues outstanding.

Published by Thanet Labour Group, 44 Northdown Road, Margate, Kent, CT9 2RW.

DOG STARTS SCHOOL

Roxy the dog has been helping local primary school children in Ramsgate understand the issues of dog fouling.

Dog fouling was identified by PACT panels (Partners and Communities Together) in the Central Harbour, Eastcliff and Newington areas of Ramsgate as a priority for them. To help tackle the problem, PCSOs, community wardens and council officers have been visiting local primary schools to discuss the penalties and the problems that failing to pick up after your dog causes.

An interactive game was used to show children how to pick up after their dogs and use dog bins correction, with a special visit from Roxy, a two year old Pomerian. Talks were also given by the local PCSO and the council’s waste education officer.

The children were asked to design new signs, with messages about dog fouling, which will be then be judged by the Mayor of Ramsgate and the Chairman of Thanet Council, with the winning sign displayed in parks and open areas initially just in Ramsgate, in the new year.

Jessica Bailey, Community Safety Coordinator, said: “Local people said dog fouling was a priority for them in these areas and we’ve listened to that and acted. This initiative aims to get primary school children thinking about the issues associated with dog fouling. Dog owners need to be responsible and pick up after their dogs, using the dog bins provided. If they fail to do so, they risk an £80 fine. It’s as simple as that. We’ve also been getting the message across about the health issues linked to dog fouling. It can be dangerous, with the disease Toxcariasis passed out in dog faeces, which can be passed to young children.”

MAKING A BIG DRAW IN BROADSTAIRS

Broadstairs will be seeing some fishy followings at the beginning of November, as the Big Draw returns to the town.

The event is part of the wide range of events, organised by the Thanet Coast Project, to celebrate Kent Coastal Week, which runs from Saturday 24 October through to Sunday 1 November under the theme of 'fishing and eating for a healthy sea'.

Thanet Coast's Big Draw takes place this year on Sunday 1 November at 11am at Viking Bay, with the storytelling theme of "fishy followings" led by Scandalmongers this year.

Thanet Coast Project Manager, Tony Child, said: "The Big Draw is always a popular event every year and it's a great way for families to get involved to create a breathtaking art masterpiece on one of Thanet's beautiful beaches. In previous years, we've had some wonderful creations that have been well worth seeing and I'm sure that this year's unusual story and art combination - ending with a 'mighty conch shell' - will be no exception to that."

The 10th national Big Draw is a month-long campaign of drawing events for people of all ages and abilities. It spans art, science, design and the environment, and connects generations and communities to show drawing can be an enjoyable and fun.

To take part in this year's Big Draw, meet at Broadstairs Harbour, opposite the Tartar Frigate. If you want to see the finish product, head down to Viking Bay on Sunday 1 November at 1pm

For further information and to reserve your places, you can book online at www.thanetcoast.org.uk or telephone through Thanet Visitor Centres on 0870 2646111.

Last weeks planning applications,

Sorry about the delay in putting up stuff on this blog.

Ed. The TDC planning website is one of the most bizarre websites I have ever come across in as much as the web addresses of the pages on it change after a few hours so you can’t publish links to them. If you want to look at any of the applications you need to go to the site and enter the application reference in the search box, this link takes you to the site http://www.ukplanning.com/thanet


15 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0627
332 MARGATE ROAD, RAMSGATE, CT12 6SQ
current
15 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0668
26 EDITH ROAD, RAMSGATE, CT11 DEN
current
15 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0737
THE SURGERYUNION ROWMARGATECT9 1PP
current
15 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0764
31 WESTOVER ROAD, BROADSTAIRS, CT10 3ES
current
15 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0778
4 THE RIDINGS, MARGATE, CT9 3EJ
current
15 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0781
36 NORTHUMBERLAND AVENUE, MARGATE, CT9 3BW
current
15 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0782
40 DANE ROAD, BIRCHINGTON, CT7 9PT
current
15 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0788
30 WESTFIELD ROAD, BIRCHINGTON, CT7 9RW
current
15 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0792
189 CANTERBURY ROAD, MARGATE, CT9 5DA
current
15 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0802
6 WINDSOR CLOSE, BROADSTAIRS, CT10 2TF
current
15 Oct 2009
L/TH/09/0731
84 MONKTON STREET MONKTON RAMSGATE CT124JF
current
13 Oct 2009
C/TH/09/0769
5 SHAFTSBURY STREET RAMSGATE CT118JG
current
13 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0742
7 HOLLY LANE MARGATE CT93NA
current
13 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0759
35 CROSS ROAD BIRCHINGTON CT79HW
current
13 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0763
14 BARN CRESCENT MARGATE CT95HF
current
13 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0771
3 KNIGHTS AVENUE BROADSTAIRS CT101EJ
current
13 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0774
25 NORTHUMBERLAND AVENUE MARGATE CT93BW
current
13 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0783
18 KING STREET RAMSGATE CT118NW
current
13 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0785
12 SOUTHWOOD GARDENS RAMSGATE CT110BQ
current
13 Oct 2009
L/TH/09/0762
12 HAWLEY SQUARE MARGATE CT91PF
current
13 Oct 2009
CD/TH/09/0639
4 DORCAS GARDENS BROADSTAIRS CT101BS
decided
13 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0083
67 - 73 NORTHDOWN ROAD, MARGATE
current
13 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0747
3 DUNSTAN AVENUE WESTGATE-ON-SEA CT88HS
current
06 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0628
13 MARKET PLACE MARGATE CT91ES
current
06 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0736
THE QUEX PARK ESTATES CO LTD QUEX PARK BIRCHINGTON CT70BH
current
06 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0745
CHERRY TREES CALLIS COURT ROAD BROADSTAIRS CT103AG
current
06 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0746
71 FITZROY AVENUE BROADSTAIRS CT103LT
current
06 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0752
36 MONTEFIORE AVENUE RAMSGATE CT118BE
current
06 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0761
19 WESTERN ESPLANADE BROADSTAIRS CT101TD
current
06 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0765
22 MINSTER ROAD RAMSGATE CT110JL
current
06 Oct 2009
L/TH/09/0725
13 MARKET PLACE MARGATE CT91ES
current

New documents published by Thanet District Council,

14/10/2009 - Minutes published: Meeting of Sep 17 2009 5:00PM, Airport Working Party

14/10/2009 - Agenda published: Meeting of Oct 19 2009 2:00PM, East Kent Joint Scrutiny Committee

12/10/2009 - Minutes published: Meeting of Sep 15 2009 10:00AM, Licensing Board

12/10/2009 - Agenda supplement published - Supplementary Agenda : Supplementary Agenda: Meeting of Oct 15 2009 7:00PM, Council

12/10/2009 - Agenda published: Meeting of Oct 20 2009 10:00AM, Licensing Board

12/10/2009 - Agenda published: Meeting of Oct 21 2009 7:00PM, Planning Committee

08/10/2009 - Minutes published: Meeting of Sep 9 2009 3:00PM, Corporate Improvement & Budget Working Party

21/10/2009 - Meeting scheduled: Oct 21 2009 7:00PM, Planning Committee

19/10/2009 - Library item published: Constitution - May 2009 - HTML

19/10/2009 - Meeting held: Oct 19 2009 2:00PM, East Kent Joint Scrutiny Committee

16/10/2009 - Publication of plan: Forward Plan for period from 1 November 2009 to 1 May 2010

15/10/2009 - Meeting held: Oct 15 2009 7:00PM, Council

It’s time for local MP to wear it pink and help beat breast cancer

South Thanet MP Stephen Ladyman is joining forces with Breast Cancer Campaign to raise awareness of its award winning fundraising event, wear it pink, on Friday 30 October 2009.

Steve and the Breast Cancer Campaign are urging residents young and old to get their pink outfits on in support of the event – ‘It’s time to wear it pink; it’s time to beat breast cancer’. Schools, colleges and businesses throughout the country are encouraged to wear it pink in support of Campaign and donate £2 each to fund innovative world-class breast cancer research.

Last year over one and a half million people took part in wear it pink to help improve survival rates for the one in nine women who experience breast cancer during their lifetime. This recession busting fundraiser is affordable and easy to take part in, giving everyone the chance to help make a difference.

Steve said, ‘Every year over 45,500 women and 300 men in the UK are diagnosed with breast cancer and, like many others, I know people who have lost friends and family members the disease. I would like to encourage everyone in South Thanet and throughout the country to support wear it pink on October 30, to raise valuable funds for breast cancer research.’

To take part in the UK’s original and best pink day. Call freephone 0800 107 3104 or visit http://www.blogger.com/Jclift/Local%20Settings/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/Local%20Settings/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/cburke/Local%20Settings/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/pol/New/Local%20Settings/shaindl.BCCNET/Local%20Settings/Temporary%20Internet and register to receive your free fundraising pack now.
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Notes to editors

· Breast Cancer Campaign urges women to be breast aware this Breast Cancer Awareness Month and continue throughout the year as early detection can save lives
· Follow the five-point code: know what is normal for you, look and feel, know what changes to look for, report any changes without delay and attend a breast screening if aged 50 or over. Women over 70 should contact their GP for a referral
· Breast Cancer Campaign aims to beat breast cancer by funding innovative world-class research to understand how breast cancer develops, leading to improved diagnosis, treatment, prevention and cure
· The charity currently funds 106 projects worth almost £15 million in 42 locations across the UK and Ireland

Dr Stephen Ladyman MP celebrates 3291 homes made warmer in South Thanet

Dr Stephen Ladyman MP is celebrating the work of the Warm Front Scheme in tackling fuel poverty in South Thanet and is urging more local residents to come forward and get help with measures that could cut their energy bills by anything up to £600 a year.

Dr Stephen Ladyman MP said: “Solutions which tackle climate change are vital, but they must also address social issues such as fuel poverty at the same time.

“The Warm Front scheme aims to help people with energy efficiency and is vital in helping increasing numbers of people who are finding energy bills a heavy burden.”

Warm Front works by providing contributions of up to £2,700 towards insulation and gas heating measures and £4,000 for oil for the elderly, disabled and low income families.

Green support services company eaga reported that during the period 1 June 2000 to 30 November 2008, there have been record take up figures with 3291 households in South Thanet having benefited from the scheme.

These households benefited from a range of energy efficiency measures including loft and cavity wall insulation, new heating systems and draught proofing.

To date £2,904,424.89 has been invested by Warm Front in the South Thanet. Many of those who have benefited from the Scheme are reporting average households savings of anything between £300 and £600 a year.

Rising fuel prices and the need to protect the environment from dangerous CO2 levels are making the work of Warm Front Scheme increasingly important.

As well as benefiting from energy efficiency measures, households contacting eaga are also receiving a free benefit entitlement and to date 119 homes in the South Thanet constituency have increased their average weekly income by £ 24.78.

To qualify for Warm Front residents must either own their own home or live in privately rented accommodation and should be in receipt of a qualifying benefit. To find out more about the Scheme and see if they qualify Dr Stephen Ladyman MP is urging households to contact Warm Front on 0800 316 6014.

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Note to editors
1. eaga plc is a green support services and outsourcing company. It is also the UK’s largest residential energy efficiency provider.
1. eaga was established in Newcastle in 1990 and operates across the UK and in the Republic of Ireland, India and Canada. It employs over 4,500 people.
2. eaga works in partnership with central and local Government, all six major energy suppliers, local authorities, social housing providers and is increasing its share of the able-to-pay private market.
3. Since its inception, eaga has made a positive difference to over 5 million disadvantaged households across the UK, by installing energy efficiency insulation and central heating.
4. eaga holds the contract to deliver the £1.5 billion Warm Front programme in England, the cornerstone of the government's target to eliminate fuel poverty.
5. eaga is committed to co-ownership and is one of only a handful of UK organisations where every employee with over a year’s service is entitled to a share in the success of the business.
6. Since 2000, eaga has invested over £3 million in the independent eaga Partnership Charitable Trust which funds research into solutions to fuel poverty.

: ELECTION FINALLY CALLED

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

DANE VALLEY BY-ELECTION - THANET DISTRICT COUNCIL

Following Labour Group Leader Cllr. Clive Hart's call for an official investigation into Conservative 'Panama Man' Cllr. Stephen Broadhurst (letter handed to Chairman at last Thursday's council meeting - see below), Thanet District Council have now finally advertised the vacancy for a council member in Dane Valley Ward (today 19th October). This is just a few days before Cllr. Broadhurst could have been sacked for not attending any TDC meetings for a period of six months.

Please therefore find attached a copy of a letter from Mr John Edwards of 14 Upper Dane Road in Dane Valley ward officially calling the election. Mr Edwards is extremely angry about the poor representation Dane Valley has received for the past 2 years and is happy to be contacted on 01843 291750 (to discuss).

Please also find below a copy of the letter Cllr. Clive Hart (Labour Group Leader) calling for an investigation into Cllr. Broadhurst's behaviour.

Cllr. Clive Hart
28 Clarence Avenue, Cliftonville,
Margate, Kent. CT9 3DP
Leader of the Opposition - TDC
15/10/2009
Dear Cllr. Sheldrick
Since the local elections in 2007 the council has been ridiculed in the press and on the internet because of the behaviour of Conservative councillor Stephen Broadhurst who has apparently spent a great deal of time on the other side of the world in Panama.
On 30th July, at a one-to-one meeting with Cllr. Ezekiel shortly before the TDC Leader left for his summer holidays, I asked him exactly what he was going to do about Cllr. Broadhurst, his apparent lack of availability for the residents of Dane Valley Ward and the excessive time he spends in Panama? Cllr. Ezekiel responded with the words "if and when it should become a problem, I'll ask him for his resignation".

On the morning of the 27th August, in a written communication I then formally called on Conservative Deputy Leader - Roger Latchford - to take the action that Cllr. Ezekiel appeared extremely hesitant to take himself and call for the resignation of his Conservative colleague - Cllr. Stephen Broadhurst.

On the afternoon of 27th August, Cllr. Latchford phoned me to inform me that Cllr. Stephen Broadhurst would now be resigning his post at long last. Cllr. Latchford's actual words were "the resignation letter may take a little time; it's got to come by snail mail from Panama".

On the 4th September, the TDC Chief Executive confirmed in writing to Council Members that he had received a letter of resignation from Cllr. Broadhurst and that it would be effective from the 30th September.

On the morning of the 2nd October I contacted TDC to ask why Cllr. Broadhurst's resignation of 30th September was not on display at the TDC offices.

On the afternoon of the 2nd October Councillor Broadhurst's resignation letter was announced ineffective by TDC.
I was later informed that Cllr. Broadhurst has since supplied his resignation yet again (that is - since the 2nd October) but that it was this time dated for a day, well after tonight’s council meeting.
With the current feeling in the country as a whole regarding MP’s and their expenses, I therefore write to demand a full enquiry into Councillor Stephen Broadhurst, his actual home/residence during his years as a councillor at TDC and up to what point his allowance will or is being paid by TDC.
To restore any kind of confidence in TDC it is essential that these facts are made public ASAP!
Regards
Cllr. Clive Hart
(Leader of the Opposition).
Tel. 01843 298770
Mob. 07980 652 896

NOT IN MY NEIGHBOURHOOD WEEK

Local people can find out more about what’s being done to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in their part of Thanet, as part of Not In My Neighbourhood week.

The Home Office led initiative takes place from Monday 2 – Friday 6 November and aims to increase public confidence in the work being done by the police and local organisations, such as the council, to make communities safer.

In Thanet, this work is coordinated by the Thanet Community Safety Partnership, which is made up of a range of organisations, all of whom work to make Thanet a safer place to live, work and visit.

During Not In My Neighbourhood Week, the partnership will be visiting local communities. On Monday 2 November, they will be in Cecil Square, Margate, with a visit to Cliftonville, by Tesco in Northdown Road, on Tuesday 3 November. On Wednesday 4 November, the bus will be in Birchington, in the bays closest to the supermarket, and on Friday 6 November, it will be in Ramsgate High Street. On each of these days, it will be in the locations between 10am and 4pm.

On Thursday 5 November, the bus will be in both Westwood Cross, in the car park, between 10am and 12pm, followed by Broadstairs, in the bays closest to Iceland, between 12.30pm and 4pm.

People can come and speak to local police and community safety officers, Connexions workers and many more agencies, and can even take part in the Safer Thanet survey. They will also be asked to give their top three likes and dislikes on the “Not In My Neighbourhood” and “Like In My Neighbourhood” walls.

Lacy Dixon, Community Safety Coordinator, said: “We’re already doing a huge amount of work to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in different neighbourhoods across Thanet and this is your opportunity to come along and find out more about that work. It’s also your chance to tell us what’s good in your local area and what’s a problem for you. The people who can take action to deal with these problems will be taking part in Not In My Neighbourhood Week, so your issues will be listened to and action will be taken.”

NEWS RELEASE

Thanet Council has helped save its first family in Broadstairs from having their home repossessed using a new government Mortgage Rescue scheme, which was introduced earlier this year. This is only the fourth time this scheme has been used in Kent.

The scheme has two elements, shared equity, which is designed to help householders who have seen their income dramatically change and need help in paying their mortgage, and government mortgage to rent. This aims to help those on low incomes with little chance of sustaining a mortgage.

In both cases, a Registered Social Landlord (Housing Association) is used, either to provide an equity loan to allow mortgage repayments to be reduced or to purchase the property, with a rent then paid at a rate that is affordable. It is aimed at those who would eligible for homelessness assistance and is subject to a range of eligibility criteria.

Cllr. Zita Wiltshire, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “Helping people to remain in their own homes is something we can all support. In the current financial climate, additional help is needed and it’s good to see that the scheme has been used for the first time in Thanet to help a family avoid repossession. Help is available, although obviously with this scheme, there are certain criteria that people have to meet. The most important thing for anyone who’s currently experiencing difficulties in keeping up with mortgage payments is to ask for help to see what’s available and what can be done.”

If you are having difficulties paying your mortgage and would like advice on what options are available to you, please contact the Housing Options Team on 01843 577277.

ALCOHOL AWARENESS WEEK

Anyone with concerns about alcohol abuse will be able to get help and advice next week in Ramsgate.

The Thanet Community Safety Partnership is working with Kent County Council’s Kent Drug Alcohol Action Team during Alcohol Awareness Week, which takes place from Monday 19 – Friday 23 October.

Members of the team, along with community safety representatives, will be on the silver safety bus in Ramsgate High Street on Wednesday 21 October, between 1pm and 5pm.

Lacy Dixon, Community Safety Coordinator, said: “There will be professionals available on the bus who specialise in dealing with alcohol abuse. Anyone who has any concerns will be able to get support and access information and advice, whether it’s for themselves or family members or friends. It’s a good opportunity to come along and talk to specialists, who can help and advice.”

Thanet Costal Event

A major event in Ramsgate later this month will give people the chance to learn more about fishing and eating for a healthy sea.

It’s part of the line-up of events, being organised by Thanet Coast Project to celebrate Kent Coastal Week, which runs from Saturday 24 October through to Sunday 1 November.

The event takes place over the weekend of Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October from 11am to 4pm and will include a variety of wildlife, maritime and fisheries exhibits, wet-fish stalls, local food market, sea shanties and music, and children art workshops and storytelling walks.

The focus will be the area next to Ramsgate Pier Yard car park and the needle beside the harbour. A range of organisations and conservation groups will be taking part, including the Thanet Fisherman’s Association, Kent & Essex Sea Fisheries, Marine Conservation Society, Kent Wildlife Trust, Natural England, the Balanced Seas project. There will be local market stalls and entertainment from ‘sea shanties’ on the Saturday to a ‘Cool Seas’ Roadshow and the Chris Taylor’s All Stars on the Sunday A number of harbour side restaurants and cafes will also be cooking in on the action.

Inland, the Thanet Coast Project will have displays and SeaART2009 based within 4c York Street - opposite Wilkinsons. SeaART2009 starts on the 24 October, and involves art and photographic exhibitions and workshops inspired by the fishing theme and coastal environment. Exhibitions can be found at the Belgian Café, Ramsgate Visitor Centre and with Red Herrings, sponsored by the Westcliff Boating Pool Gallery.

It is sponsored by the Ramsgate Fund from the Ramsgate Town Council, Thanet Offshore Wind Ltd (Vattenfall), Kent Community Grants, Orbit South and the Dept of Business, Innovation and Skills. Children workshops are also run with support from the Big Lottery Fund

Thanet Coast Project Manager, Tony Child, said: “Our Ramsgate event will be a great way to kick off Kent Coastal Week, with a variety of things to see and do. Ramsgate is such an important area for fishing that we thought it was really important to put on an event like this, so people could find out more about how to fish and eat for a healthy sea. It also fits in really well with the theme of this year’s Kent Coastal Week, which is all about that very subject and celebrating what Thanet’s beautiful coastline and the sea has to offer.”

MP welcomes action against Anti-Social Behaviour in Thanet.

People in Thanet willing to go to court as witnesses and help the fight against anti-social behaviour are to get extra help. For the first time, victims taking a stand in the Magistrates Courts against offenders whose anti-social behaviour is blighting communities will be helped by Victim Support services in 87 priority areas including Thanet.

Almost £2.8 million over the next two years for a network of victims and witness champions to be set up in priority areas across the country. This will include support in court proceedings, offering someone to accompany the witness when they give evidence and providing follow-up assistance when the court case is over.

The Home Secretary has also outlined today that he is also to take steps to ensure ASBO breaches are dealt with robustly through the courts as a matter of course.

South Thanet MP, Stephen Ladyman, said:

“This is good news for local communities troubled by anti-social behaviour and it is particularly good news that the needs of Thanet have been recognized and prioritised.”

“The government wants to see both police and local partners using the powers they have been given in a way that is effective and responds to peoples’ needs at the right time. That is why the authorities in Thanet will also be offered a visit from an ASB Delivery Expert in the next three months to help identify problems and, where needed, deploy the ASB Action Squad to help drive up performance”

“Thanet was chosen because it is an area where more than a quarter of local people are worried that anti-social behaviour is a problem. The figures show that we are winning the battle little by little and this latest announcement is yet more real help where it is needed most.”

Note to editors:

More info at http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/about-us/news/more-local-action-on-asb

Or contact

Dr Stephen Ladyman
MP for South Thanet
House of Commons
London
SW1A 0AA

Tel: 01843 852696
Fax: 01843 852689

New website goes live

Thanet District Council’s new website, which will reach new accessibility standards and offer a range of new functions for users, has gone live.

The site, http://www.thanet.gov.uk/ has a new, clean look to it, with increased photos and videos, along with more information about what’s going on in Thanet. Community events are now on the front page of the site and community and voluntary groups can now advertise their events for free, using the council’s community portal website.

The website also now has social bookmarking, making it easy to add Thanet District Council web page links to your blog, Twitter feed or favourite social networking site. There are also dedicated RSS feeds for news and events, making it easy to keep up to date with what is happening in Thanet, either on your mobile phone, blog site, or RSS reader. It is also now easier to access documents online and print them as PDFs if you wish.

The website complies with the latest browsers and, as a result, if you go to the site using an old browser, you may be asked to upgrade your Internet browser.

Cllr. Simon Moores, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, said: “The council’s website is our shop window in the online world. Hundreds of thousands of people visit http://www.thanet.gov.uk/ each year and that’s why we’re constantly striving to make it the best possible experience that we can. The upgrade has added a number of exciting new features, like the RSS feeds and the social bookmarking, which people have been asking for. This new site will give us the basis for adding additional functions and improvements in the future and we see web as the way forward in an increasingly high-tech world. Every time we’re able to put something online for our residents and customers to access, it saves you, as council taxpayers, money and it also helps to reduce the amount of paper we produce.”

Any community or voluntary groups who want to use the council’s community portal should visit http://communityportal.thanet.gov.uk/

TRAINING AWARD SUCCESS FOR COUNCIL

A unique leadership course at Thanet District Council has taken the top honours in the south east region of the National Training Awards.

The council's Training Manager and members of senior management worked closely with Europa Consultancy and their partner, Ability Professional Training to develop the Thanet Manager training programme.

The programme was specifically designed for the council, with eight key areas concentrated on in the training, which included leadership and decision-making, delivering services for customers, financial planning and budgeting, managing people, projects and change, and communication skills.

Since the programme began in 2006, 55 people have undertaken the courses and they have achieved a 91% pass rate in either Diplomas or CMI Certificates in Management. Additionally, a group of managers who already held qualifications, took the course to further their development.

Those who took part highlighted a number of benefits to the council, including better communications with colleagues and residents, more efficient handling of workloads and projects, and greater understanding of the requirements and responsibilities of other services and departments.

Cllr. Martin Wise, Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services, said: "This award is excellent news and shows just how successful our Thanet Manager programme has been. It's been specifically developed to ensure that our managers have the skills they need to deliver the best possible services for our residents. We've seen the motivation and capacity of our managers grow as a result of this programme and we can have confidence, going forward, that they are equipped to handle the challenges that this council, along with everyone else in the public sector, will be facing over the next few years."

Bob MacDonald, Managing Director of Europa said: "This award is the icing on the cake for an innovative and successful leadership programme that has produced real results for Thanet. The programme shows how a hard working partnership and collaboration can and should work and is a model for all of our public sector clients to use. The programme paid for itself within the first year work - delivering more learning for less time and at less cost."

OPERATION CUBIT SUCCESS

Another 76 abandoned or untaxed cars have been removed from the streets of Thanet in two recent Operation Cubits.

The first week long operation, led by Thanet District Council, with help from Kent Police, Kent County Council, the DVLA and Kent Fire and Rescue service, took place in July and saw 45 cars taken away. The latest week long operation in late September, added another 31 cars to that total.

In the last 18 months, nearly 350 cars have been removed, thanks to Cubit.

Owners can pay £260, plus storage costs, to reclaim their vehicles and, of this money, £160 is refundable if they tax their vehicles within two weeks.

If they fail to either tax the vehicles or declare that they are off the road, then a follow-up visit is made to see if the vehicle is still being driven illegally and, if it is, it will be removed. If owners do not claim and pay for their vehicles, then they will either be crushed or sold.

Abandoned vehicles can be reported by calling 01843 577888.

SUCCESS CONTINUES FOR STREET HOOPS

Basketball is continuing to be a big draw for young people in Thanet, with 50 people turning out to the most recent Street Hoops session in Ramsgate.

Held at the town's sports centre, Street Hoops is organised by Thanet District Council's Sport Matters team and supported by Thanet Leisureforce, Thanet Rhinos and Ursuline College.

The event gives young people the opportunity to play competitive basketball in teams of three or five in three different age groups, either 11 to 13 years, 14 to 17 years or 18 years and over.

Street Hoops is held monthly on the last Sunday and the next session takes place on Sunday 25 October.

The Streetwise extreme team will be showcasing their skills and tricks, with registration starting at 4.45pm, and the event taking place at 5pm until 7pm at Ramsgate Sports Centre.

For more information, contact the Sport Matters team on 01843 577032 or collect a flyer from your local leisure centre

VIEWS NEEDED ON NEW PLANNING DOCUMENT

Local people are being asked for their views on a major new planning document, that sets out how Thanet will change and develop until the year 2026.

The draft version of the Core Strategy for the Local Development Framework has been developed following previous consultation and, when it's finally adopted, it will provide the "big picture" about how Thanet will look in the future.

The document sets out a vision, which is for people to recognise Thanet as a desirable place to live and work, and that the whole community is more settled, healthier, better educated, fulfilled, confident, and able to access a full range and quality of services, homes, jobs and training.

The Core Strategy also has specific targets on a number of different themes:

Housing.
Thanet will need 7,500 new homes between 2006 and 2026, in line with the South East Plan, with 20% of these on land at Nash Road and New Haine Road, Westwood. The rest will be built on already developed land, with no major development planned for Thanet's villages. The emphasis will be on building houses and bungalows, rather than flats.
Economy and employment
The aim is to attract new businesses to Thanet to create jobs and to support the growth of existing business. Kent International Airport and Manston Business Park will be the main locations for large-scale development that creates jobs. Some existing land, already allocated for employment, will also be kept at Eurokent and Thanet Reach. The Port of Ramsgate will be promoted as Kent's second cross-Channel port and a base for servicing offshore wind turbines and marine engineering.
Westwood
This will continue to develop as Thanet's principal retail centre and a residential and business community. The plan supports relocating Thanet College to a site next to the Canterbury Christ Church University campus and supports Jackey Baker's as the area's major sports venue.
Coastal towns
Although there is support for the town centres in Broadstairs, Ramsgate and Margate, priority will be given to Margate and redeveloping it with a mix of leisure and cultural facilities. Dreamland will be a new visitor destination, based on a heritage theme park, together with enabling development, including residential, specialist themed retail, food, drink and leisure. Policies will also support the contraction of the High Street to a more viable retail heart in the lower High Street, alongside the Old Town. In the upper High Street, replacement of disused or underused commercial premises with residential accommodation will be permitted.

The Core Strategy also supports work in the Margate Central and Cliftonville West wards to tackle deprivation there, such as restoring mixed and settled communities, improving homes and the street scene, and encouraging new business, including improved holiday accommodation.
In Ramsgate, support will be given to a mix of leisure, tourism, retail and residential around the waterfront area and new retail development within or adjacent to the town centre, such as the Staffordshire Street Car Park.

Little intervention is proposed for Broadstairs, where the emphasis will be on conserving and enhancing its unique charm as a residential and visitor location.

The document also sets out the importance of good design, sustainable development and protecting the green wedges between the towns and the coast and countryside.

Leader of the Council, Cllr. Sandy Ezekiel, said: "A great deal of work has already gone into developing the draft version of the Core Strategy and it's very much the result of feedback that we've had from local people and organisations. Now we need people's views, before the document is finalised, so that we can see whether our work is going in the right direction. The Core Strategy is arguably the most important document produced by the council, as it sets out how our area will develop and look over the next few years. This is your chance to have your say and I hope that local people will take the opportunity to read through the document and give us their views on what it says."

The consultation runs until Friday 18 December 2009 and you can pick up a full copy of the Core Strategy, or a summary version, from Thanet's Gateway Plus and at libraries across the area. It can also be viewed online at www.thanet.gov.uk Online, you can make comments and answer the consultation's questions by registering to comment at http://consult.thanet.gov.uk/inovem/consult.ti

All comments must be made in writing and they will be open to public inspection and cannot be treated as confidential.

REMINDER OVER LOSING YOUR VOTE

Reminders have been sent out to residents in Thanet who've failed to return their electoral registration forms that they could lose their right to vote in the upcoming general election.

Parliamentary elections have to take place by June 2010 at the latest and, to ensure that people can vote in the general election, the electoral registration forms that have been delivered to every home in Thanet have to be filled in and returned to the council.

All British, Commonwealth, Irish and European Union Citizens over the age of 16 have to give their names and addresses, so that they can be included on the register, which will be published on 1 December 2009.

Forms have now been delivered to all those properties in Thanet, where no response has been received form the initial household registration form.

Forms can be returned either via a freephone service or online, where no change to the information is required.

For more information or enquiries about the Register of Electors form please contact the Electoral Services Helpline on (01843) 577500.

WELCOME FOR LOTTERY FUNDING

Thanet District Council has welcomed the news that more than £175,000 worth of Lottery funding will be coming to Thanet to help improve anti-social behaviour and relationships between the generations.

The money, from the Big Lottery Fund's Reaching Communities Programme, has been awarded to the Children's Society to run the Thanet Participation Project over the next two years.

The award of £176,221 will pay for a new project to run in Dane Valley, Newington, Whitehall and Birchington.

It will provide opportunities for young people aged between 11 and 18 and people over the age of 55 to interact with each other and better understand the other generation through volunteering and training.

Cllr. Zita Wiltshire, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: "This is excellent news for Thanet and fits in with the work already being done by the Thanet Community Safety Partnership to promote understanding between different generations. We know that this is an issue in Thanet that needs tackling and this project will help to do exactly that. It's always great to see Lottery funding coming into Thanet and it's something we warmly welcome. We look forward to working with the Children's Society, as their project moves forward over the next couple of years."

New documents published by Thanet District Council,

07/10/2009 - Meeting scheduled: Oct 7 2009 2:00PM, Constitutional Review Working Party

05/10/2009 - Agenda published: Meeting of Oct 15 2009 7:00PM, Council

02/10/2009 - Agenda supplement published - Supplementary Agenda : Supplementary Agenda: Meeting of Oct 7 2009 2:00PM, Constitutional Review Working Party

01/10/2009 - Meeting held: Oct 1 2009 7:00PM, Overview and Scrutiny Panel

01/10/2009 - Meeting held: Oct 1 2009 5:00PM, Asset Management Working Group

Last weeks planning applications,

Ed. The TDC planning website is one of the most bizarre websites I have ever come across in as much as the web addresses of the pages on it change after a few hours so you can’t publish links to them. If you want to look at any of the applications you need to go to the site and enter the application reference in the search box, this link takes you to the site http://www.ukplanning.com/thanet

Sorry I am late with these this week

02 Oct 2009
C/TH/09/0733
45-49 AND 51, SEA ROAD, WESTGATE ON SEA
current
02 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0586
21 STONE BARN AVENUE BIRCHINGTON CT70AH
decided
02 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0659
45-49 AND 51, SEA ROAD, WESTGATE ON SEA
current
02 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0710
38 CHARLOTTE PLACE MARGATE CT91LP
current
02 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0726
12 HAWLEY SQUARE MARGATE CT91PF
current
02 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0727
52 HOLLY LANE MARGATE CT93NE
current
02 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0749
89 QUEX VIEW ROAD BIRCHINGTON CT70DY
current
01 Oct 2009
C/TH/09/0728
ST. CECILIA'S 83 SEA ROAD WESTGATE-ON-SEA CT88QF
current
01 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0546
46 GRANGE ROAD, RAMSGATE, CT11 9LP
decided
01 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0719
ST. CECILIA'S 83 SEA ROAD WESTGATE-ON-SEA CT88QF
current
01 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0720
CHYNGTON NORTH FORELAND AVENUE BROADSTAIRS CT103QR
current
01 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0741
1 YOAKLEY SQUARE MARGATE CT94BA
current
01 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0744
35 VICTORIA PARADE RAMSGATE CT118AJ
current
01 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0750
DENTAL SURGERY 1 DALBY SQUARE CLIFTONVILLE MARGATE CT92ER
current
01 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0753
84 RAMSGATE ROAD BROADSTAIRS CT102DJ
current
01 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0756
LOWER WAYFARING CLIFF PROMENADE BROADSTAIRS CT103QY
current
01 Oct 2009
L/TH/09/0743
3 YORK GATE HOUSE HARBOUR STREET BROADSTAIRS CT101EU
current
29 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0666
LAND REAR OF 153 HIGH STREET RAMSGATE CT119TY
current
29 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0681
CASA MIA NORTH FORELAND AVENUE BROADSTAIRS CT103QT
current
29 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0697
3 CALLIS COURT ROAD BROADSTAIRS CT103AE
current
29 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0739
1 FAIR STREET BROADSTAIRS CT102JL
current
29 Sep 2009
L/TH/09/0738
153 HIGH STREET RAMSGATE CT119TY
current
29 Sep 2009
OL/TH/09/0740
garages adjacent 143 hugin avenue, broadstairs, ct10 3hn

New planning quango will push our local residents further away from the planning process

As Gordon Brown’s controversial planning quango, the Infrastructure Planning Commission, opens its doors Laura Sandys has warned that it will distance local residents even further from the planning process. “We already have planning applications for smaller developments often referred to Bristol who determine what is built in Thanet and Sandwich, and now we are having the powers to determine very large projects taken our of our hands.”

For Thanet and Sandwich this has particular concern as this new body can determine planning applications relating to

· airport-related development;
· the construction or alteration of harbour facilities;
· the construction or alteration of a railway;
· development relating to the transfer of water resources;
· the construction or alteration of a hazardous waste facility.


· The new unelected body is to take control of determining planning applications on large projects as above and it will base its decisions on National Policy Statements issued by Ministers as diktats with no substantive vote in Parliament.

· Despite Gordon Brown’s recent TUC speech promising to “cut costs”, the new quango will cost £10 million a year, and its Chairman will be paid £184,000 a year for a four day week. The Commissioners will be appointed on a minimum fixed term of five years and cannot be removed short of criminal misconduct – making them the most unaccountable quangocrats in Britain.

· At a stroke, local residents, local authorities like Thanet and Dover & Deal and elected representatives will be stripped of any say on the most controversial planning decisions that will affect the lives of tens of thousands of people. This contradicts Gordon Brown’s promise when he became Prime Minister to stop politics being “a spectator sport.” Conservatives are warning that the new planning regime will also lead to a flood of legal challenges in the High Court and the European Court of Justice.

· Under Conservative plans, the Infrastructure Planning Commission will be abolished. National Policy Statements would remain – but each one would have to be ratified by both Houses of Parliament to ensure democratic legitimacy, and to reduce the scope for legal challenges.

Laura said:
“Trust in politics is at an all time low, and Gordon Brown’s response is to put democracy on the scrapheap. Thanet and Sandwich residents and their elected representatives are being disenfranchised on a massive scale by the most unaccountable quangocrats ever created.”

New documents published by Thanet District Council,

http://www.thanet.gov.uk/council__democracy/council_budgets__spending/statement_of_accounts.aspx?lang=en-gb