ASSET MANAGEMENT CONSULTATION

Local people are being asked for their opinions on 11 sites around Thanet that the council is considering selling, with some of the proceeds re-invested into new facilities.

The proposals are the latest phase of the council's ongoing Asset Management Plan, which aims to ensure that all the land and property owned by the council provides the best possible value for money, is effectively managed and remains up to date and modern for people to use.

The 11 sites on the list that are going out to public consultation are located in Broadstairs, St. Peter's, Margate, Cliftonville, Westbrook, Ramsgate and Cliffsend. They include land and buildings to the south of Hartsdown Sports Centre in Margate, although these plans exclude the leisure centre itself. Also on the list are the Staffordshire Street car park in Ramsgate, although public parking will be retained, and the former promenade toilets in Westbrook.

Residents can give their views on the possible sale of the sites and the possible uses being put forward for each site over the next few weeks by writing in to Communications, FREEPOST SEA8273, Thanet District Council, PO Box 9, Cecil Street, Margate, CT9 1XZ or by e-mailing hannah.thorpe@thanet.gov.uk Please clearly state the name of the site you are commenting on, along with any further comments.

Leaflets will be posted to neighbouring properties to encourage people to have their say and posters will be placed on each of the properties being proposed for disposal. Full information about the consultation is also available on the council's website at www.thanet.gov.uk A series of drop-in sessions have also been arranged for people to view the proposals for each site and to talk to council officers, who will be able to answer people's questions. These are as follows:

Wednesday 11 November from 4.30pm to 7.30pm
Park Hall, Pierremont Park, Broadstairs
Friday 13 November from 4.30pm to 7.30pm
Kent International Hotel, Harbour Parade, Ramsgate
Thursday 19 November from 4.30pm to 7.30pm
Thanet's Gateway Plus, Cecil Street, Margate

Asset Manager, Justin Thomson, said: "Many people will no doubt already be familiar with the asset management consultation that we carry out each year. It's all about ensuring that the council's property and land is giving Council Tax payers the best possible value for money and is being used effectively. Where we don't believe that's the case, we will bring forward sites and proposals for their future use, so that we can get local people's views on what's being proposed."

All comments must be made by Friday 4 December.

The 11 sites are:

Site: Land adjacent to 39 Nelson Place, Broadstairs (Bradstowe)
Proposal: Possible development for a single house.

Site: Land and buildings to the south of Hartsdown Sports Centre, Hartsdown Park, Margate (excludes leisure centre) (Garlinge)
Proposal: One option is a comprehensive redevelopment of the site, with income funding local improvements. As part of any development, community groups would be helped to relocate. Other options are to partially redevelop the vacant parts of the site or do nothing.

Site: Front strip of land to Palm Bay recreation ground, Palm Bay Avenue, Cliftonville (Cliftonville East)
Proposal: Carry out a small residential development, which would provide money to improve the facilities at the recreation ground, including changing facilities and football pitches, or leave as it is.

Site: Former lodge, St. John's Cemetery, Manston Road, Margate (Salmestone)
Proposal: Retain as a storage facility or dispose for residential refurbishment.

Site: Former promenade toilets, adjacent to Seaview Terrace, Westbrook (Westbrook)
Proposal: Either redevelop for residential use or retain the building in its existing condition.

Site: Land opposite the Tudor House, King Street, Margate (Margate Central)
Proposal: Either sell for residential development or retain the site in its existing condition.

Site: Staffordshire Street car park (public parking retained), Ramsgate (Eastcliff)
Proposal: Either seek a full town centre commercial redevelopment of the site, retaining and incorporating public car parking or keep as a car park.

Site: Land on Western Undercliff, west of tunnel access, including Chine access from Royal Esplanade (Cliffsend and Pegwell)
Proposal: Either dispose of the site, with planning consent for either residential or leisure development or do nothing.

Site: Car park, site of the former swimming pool, Marina Esplanade, Ramsgate (Sir Moses Montefiore)
Proposal: Either a mixed residential/commercial scheme with on site parking or do nothing.

Site: Open space land adjoining 33 and 35 Beech Grove, Cliffsend (Cliffsend and Pegwell)
Proposal: Either retain or sell to adjoining owners for garden land.

Site: Former railway line behind numbers 2-48 Highfield Road, Ramsgate (Northwood)
Proposal: Either set out formal parking or dispose for residential development, with alternative parking provided and some of the money used to improve facilities on Jackey Bakers or leave as it is.