Campaigners against a proposed new Tesco store in Margate packed a meeting at a local church hall on Monday evening (28th June 2010).
The gathering was hosted by Arlington House Residents Association who are unhappy about redevelopment plans which will see them losing their car park and flat owners having to foot a bill of £17.000 each.
The multi-million pound scheme would see the demolition of a derelict public car park and shops on the controversial Arlington site on Margate seafront.
Association Chairman, Ron Greene, told the assembled crowd that neither property developers Freshwater nor Tesco had provided answers to questions raised during public consultations three months ago. He added, “Research has shown that surrounding property prices go down when a Tesco store is built in a residential area”.
Ward Councillor, Iris Johnston, and Council planning officer, Doug Brown, fielded a barrage of questions from Margate residents and businesses. Arlington House residents also questioned the Council’s right to agree to the demolition of the existing residents’ car park.
Concerned locals also heard from Ron Greene that plans to redevelop the whole of the site had been shelved. “Freshwater are only going for full planning permission for Tesco to go on the car park site”, he said, “The proposed shops, hotel and doctors surgery will only be subjected to outline planning permission as there are no takers for those units. This means that the seaside frontage could remain boarded up for years to come”.
Councillor Iris Johnson called for a show of hands to indicate those in favour of a new Tesco and those against. The vote was unanimously against the Tesco development.
After the meeting Ron Green said, “It is clear that the people of Margate do not want another Tesco superstore. I was initially in favour a scheme that would see the derelict site regenerated and the exterior of Arlington House improved. However, I now believe that a Superstore, of that size, (comparable to the existing 24hour Superstore on Manston Road) will be detrimental for local residents and existing businesses in Margate.
Kent County Council statistics reveal that more than 20,000 cars a day pass along the seafront at present. That number will obviously increase with the opening of the Turner Centre and Dreamland Heritage Park. The further addition of a 24 hour Tesco superstore will likely cause traffic gridlock at the Station Roundabout due to customer traffic and delivery lorries. If the Council does give the go-ahead for Tesco, I am asking that planning conditions be imposed to restrict the hours for opening and deliveries and that adequate sound insulation be provided to Arlington House, at the expense of the developer.”
Wednesday, 30 June 2010
Monday, 28 June 2010
YOUR ARTS FESTIVAL NEEDS YOU!
Could you sell popcorn at the world's smallest, solar-powered cinema? Or help an artistwith his sonic junk street machine?
Plans are hotting up for Ramsgate's Summer Squall arts festival over the August bankholiday weekend, with local and national artists booked at venues all over the town.
Now the organisers are looking for volunteers to help out with music, theatre, cinema, writing,and visual arts events on Saturday 28 August, Sunday 29 August, and bank holidayMonday 30 August.
So if you can spare a day, or even a few hours, to help put Ramsgate on the arts map,why not join in the fun and creativity? To volunteer call Anette Mutton on 01843 584603.For more information on Ramsgate Arts, you can visit their website at http://www.ramsgatearts.org/
Friday, 25 June 2010
CLEAN SWEEPING IN CLIFTONVILLE
The latest Operation Clean Sweep has targeted Cliftonville, with benefits checks, fire safety inspections and trading standards visits carried out.
This operation was led by Thanet District Council, with officers from licensing, planning enforcement, community safety, environmental health, waste and recycling taking part. They were joined by teams from Kent County Council Trading Standards, Kent Fire and Rescue Services, the UK Border Agency, Serious Organised Crime Agency, and volunteers from Pipeline.
The teams have spent the last two days (Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 June) visiting shops and businesses along Northdown Road. All the premises that were visited were given leaflets about employing foreign nationals by the Serious Organised Crime Agency. It was their first experience with Operation Clean Sweep and they described their role in it as giving them “a strong start to their programme in the area.”
Fire safety investigations found one defective fire alarm and further investigations required at some properties. Businesses were given advice about trade waste and off licences were checked for counterfeit goods. The council’s benefits team spoke to 22 people and they are now making further enquiries into changes of people’s circumstances. One alleyway was cleared of dumped rubbish by Thanet District Council and Pipeline.
The UK Border Agency visited 45 commercial and residential properties and spoke to a number of foreign nationals. Checks are now ongoing into a couple of the cases that they came across. Officers found that, due to the number of visits, as part of Operation Clean Sweep, most businesses appear to have tightened their procedures and are no longer employing immigration offenders.
Kent Trading Standards visited a number of shops, particularly focusing on those which sell second hand goods. There were issues with poor record keeping and some items, such as clothing, DVDs and jewellery, which were believed to be counterfeit, were seized.
Cllr. Chris Wells, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “Once again, Operation Clean Sweep has been really well received by both business owners and local residents. Our officers had exceptionally positive feedback and it’s obvious that Clean Sweep is having an impact, as far less problems were identified during this operation than when we first started. It’s also excellent to see more organisations getting involved with Clean Sweep all the time and we were delighted to welcome the Serious Organised Crime Agency on to this operation.”
This operation was led by Thanet District Council, with officers from licensing, planning enforcement, community safety, environmental health, waste and recycling taking part. They were joined by teams from Kent County Council Trading Standards, Kent Fire and Rescue Services, the UK Border Agency, Serious Organised Crime Agency, and volunteers from Pipeline.
The teams have spent the last two days (Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 June) visiting shops and businesses along Northdown Road. All the premises that were visited were given leaflets about employing foreign nationals by the Serious Organised Crime Agency. It was their first experience with Operation Clean Sweep and they described their role in it as giving them “a strong start to their programme in the area.”
Fire safety investigations found one defective fire alarm and further investigations required at some properties. Businesses were given advice about trade waste and off licences were checked for counterfeit goods. The council’s benefits team spoke to 22 people and they are now making further enquiries into changes of people’s circumstances. One alleyway was cleared of dumped rubbish by Thanet District Council and Pipeline.
The UK Border Agency visited 45 commercial and residential properties and spoke to a number of foreign nationals. Checks are now ongoing into a couple of the cases that they came across. Officers found that, due to the number of visits, as part of Operation Clean Sweep, most businesses appear to have tightened their procedures and are no longer employing immigration offenders.
Kent Trading Standards visited a number of shops, particularly focusing on those which sell second hand goods. There were issues with poor record keeping and some items, such as clothing, DVDs and jewellery, which were believed to be counterfeit, were seized.
Cllr. Chris Wells, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “Once again, Operation Clean Sweep has been really well received by both business owners and local residents. Our officers had exceptionally positive feedback and it’s obvious that Clean Sweep is having an impact, as far less problems were identified during this operation than when we first started. It’s also excellent to see more organisations getting involved with Clean Sweep all the time and we were delighted to welcome the Serious Organised Crime Agency on to this operation.”
Wednesday, 23 June 2010
Laura welcomes the tough but fair budget
There have been a lot of really difficult issues to balance in this budget and it was impressive that the Coalition was able to support those in need while addressing the big concern of our significant and growing deficit. The deficit inherited from the last Government is growing by 3bn every week.
In Thanet we have some real problems that will be helped significantly by this budget. Pensions will rise; lower income workers will pay less tax – and some employees will not be taxed at all; small businesses will be taxed less and for poorer families the child element of the family tax credit will be raised by £150.
For Thanet in particular there will be many who will benefit from the Budget announcements not least those who own furnished holiday homes who will not be impacted by the Labour taxation policy, taxes for our businesses at the port will not be backdated, a Green Investment Bank will be established that will invest in businesses that support our already growing green energy sector and there will be significantly more investment in our broadband connectivity.
There are difficult decisions that I know have had to be made and everyone will be impacted by the VAT rise. Public sector workers earning more than £21,000 will have a pay freeze however those paid under £21000 will not be subject to this change and will actually receive £250 more.
There was a lot of concern locally about the possible rise of Capital Gains Tax. We have announced that anyone on the basic tax rate will still only be paying 18% as before and those on the higher tax rate will pay 10% more putting the rate at 28%. This I believe is fair and also helps curb those who have claimed income as if it was capital gains to get a lower rate of tax.
We do still have work to do, and Roger Gale and I are very focused on ensuring that Thanet receives the same incentives for start up businesses as in other parts of the country. This will be brought up by many of us in Parliament in the next few weeks.
In Thanet we have some real problems that will be helped significantly by this budget. Pensions will rise; lower income workers will pay less tax – and some employees will not be taxed at all; small businesses will be taxed less and for poorer families the child element of the family tax credit will be raised by £150.
For Thanet in particular there will be many who will benefit from the Budget announcements not least those who own furnished holiday homes who will not be impacted by the Labour taxation policy, taxes for our businesses at the port will not be backdated, a Green Investment Bank will be established that will invest in businesses that support our already growing green energy sector and there will be significantly more investment in our broadband connectivity.
There are difficult decisions that I know have had to be made and everyone will be impacted by the VAT rise. Public sector workers earning more than £21,000 will have a pay freeze however those paid under £21000 will not be subject to this change and will actually receive £250 more.
There was a lot of concern locally about the possible rise of Capital Gains Tax. We have announced that anyone on the basic tax rate will still only be paying 18% as before and those on the higher tax rate will pay 10% more putting the rate at 28%. This I believe is fair and also helps curb those who have claimed income as if it was capital gains to get a lower rate of tax.
We do still have work to do, and Roger Gale and I are very focused on ensuring that Thanet receives the same incentives for start up businesses as in other parts of the country. This will be brought up by many of us in Parliament in the next few weeks.
LICENCE SUSPENSION FOR RAMSGATE TRADER
A Ramsgate woman has been fined £1,500 and had her personal licence to sell alcohol suspended for four months, after pleading guilty to three different breaches of her licensing conditions.
An application was made in January 2010 for Sweet Crazy in St. Lawrence High Street to sell alcohol, which was granted, with a number of conditions attached. One of those conditions was that someone with a personal licence to sell alcohol should be present on the premises at all times, when they were open.
Amithagowry Geretheran (28) from St. Luke’s Avenue, was the licence holder and designated premises supervisor at the shop, making her responsible for sales of alcohol there.
The council and police were told in April 2010 that under-age drinking was taking place in Ellington Park, with the alcohol purchased from Sweet Crazy. They visited the premises just before 11pm on a Friday night and found just one man in the shop, who did not hold a personal licence to sell alcohol. CCTV from the premises showed that there had been no personal licence holder there for 50 minutes of the previous hour.
Mrs. Geretheran was cautioned for breaching her licence conditions and confirmed she was aware of the conditions that had been imposed on her. She was asked if the worker who was behind the counter when the officers arrived held a personal licence and she confirmed that he did not. When asked why he was left alone in the shop, she told the officers that it was only for a few minutes.
The CCTV also showed that an adult had earlier bought lager which had been given to a group of youths outside of the shop. This footage could be viewed by staff behind the counter.
The second offence related to the refusals register, which is meant to be filled in when alcohol sales are refused. CCTV showed that there had been a transaction earlier that night, where an alcohol sale was refused to youths, but this was not noted in the register. Further inspection of the register showed that weekly reviews of it had also not been carried out.
Mrs. Geretheran was fined £500 for each of the three offences and was ordered to pay £100 costs and the £15 victim surcharge. Her personal licence was also suspended for four months.
Cllr. Simon Moores, Cabinet Member for Customer Services and Regulatory Services, said: “These were serious offences, particularly as in this case, the licence holder was very well aware of the conditions that had been imposed upon them. It wasn’t just a few minutes when there was no personal licence holder present in the shop. The CCTV showed that to be completely untrue. We’re determined to improve the safety of our streets and having people without a licence selling alcohol to adults who then pass it on to children does nothing to help that aim.”
An application was made in January 2010 for Sweet Crazy in St. Lawrence High Street to sell alcohol, which was granted, with a number of conditions attached. One of those conditions was that someone with a personal licence to sell alcohol should be present on the premises at all times, when they were open.
Amithagowry Geretheran (28) from St. Luke’s Avenue, was the licence holder and designated premises supervisor at the shop, making her responsible for sales of alcohol there.
The council and police were told in April 2010 that under-age drinking was taking place in Ellington Park, with the alcohol purchased from Sweet Crazy. They visited the premises just before 11pm on a Friday night and found just one man in the shop, who did not hold a personal licence to sell alcohol. CCTV from the premises showed that there had been no personal licence holder there for 50 minutes of the previous hour.
Mrs. Geretheran was cautioned for breaching her licence conditions and confirmed she was aware of the conditions that had been imposed on her. She was asked if the worker who was behind the counter when the officers arrived held a personal licence and she confirmed that he did not. When asked why he was left alone in the shop, she told the officers that it was only for a few minutes.
The CCTV also showed that an adult had earlier bought lager which had been given to a group of youths outside of the shop. This footage could be viewed by staff behind the counter.
The second offence related to the refusals register, which is meant to be filled in when alcohol sales are refused. CCTV showed that there had been a transaction earlier that night, where an alcohol sale was refused to youths, but this was not noted in the register. Further inspection of the register showed that weekly reviews of it had also not been carried out.
Mrs. Geretheran was fined £500 for each of the three offences and was ordered to pay £100 costs and the £15 victim surcharge. Her personal licence was also suspended for four months.
Cllr. Simon Moores, Cabinet Member for Customer Services and Regulatory Services, said: “These were serious offences, particularly as in this case, the licence holder was very well aware of the conditions that had been imposed upon them. It wasn’t just a few minutes when there was no personal licence holder present in the shop. The CCTV showed that to be completely untrue. We’re determined to improve the safety of our streets and having people without a licence selling alcohol to adults who then pass it on to children does nothing to help that aim.”
Tuesday, 22 June 2010
Adult Pottery Painting Workshops
Wednesday 23rd June
Thursday 1st July
Friday 9th July
Sessions run from 7pm to 9:30pm
£13 per session
Booking recommended
No previous pottery painting experience necessary. All materials and tuition included in the price.
Please reply to request a flyer with further details.
Pick ‘n Paint a Pot
68 Northdown Road
Cliftonville
Kent, CT9 2RL
www.picknpaintapot.co.uk
Tel: 01843-297778
Thursday 1st July
Friday 9th July
Sessions run from 7pm to 9:30pm
£13 per session
Booking recommended
No previous pottery painting experience necessary. All materials and tuition included in the price.
Please reply to request a flyer with further details.
Pick ‘n Paint a Pot
68 Northdown Road
Cliftonville
Kent, CT9 2RL
www.picknpaintapot.co.uk
Tel: 01843-297778
FINE FOR ILLEGAL TATTOOISTS IN RAMSGATE
Two tattooists have been fined £100 each, after admitting that they had been working in Ramsgate without being registered with the council.
The council investigated, after receiving a complaint from a parent that her 17 year old son had had a tattoo on his neck, which had been done by a shop in Harbour Street, Ramsgate.
Checks were carried out by the council’s licensing team and these confirmed that neither the shop not the individuals were registered. A licensing officer visited the shop with the police licensing officer, which had signs outside it saying “tattoos by Phil Simmons”. They entered the shop and asked for Mr. Simmons. When he confirmed who he was, the officers asked to see the registration certificate.
They were told that there wasn’t one for the premises and Mr. Simmons confirmed that the shop had been trading for around five months.
When questioned about tattooing the 17 year old boy, Mr. Simmons said that he usually asked for ID, but had assumed, on this occasion, that the boy was old enough, as he already had a tattoo. He was advised about checking for ID and was told that the police would not, on this occasion, be prosecuting for tattooing a minor.
Mr. Simmons (26) from Elfrida Close, Margate and the shop owner, Keith Perry (53) from Wincheap, Canterbury, were both prosecuted for tattooing without being registered with the council, an offence which can lead to a fine of up to £1,000. Mr. Perry was fined £100, while Mr. Simmons was fined £50, with both ordered to pay £50 costs and the victim surcharge of £15.
Cllr. Simon Moores, Cabinet Member for Customer Services and Regulatory Services, said: “When the council licenses a premise for tattooing, our officers check things such as cleanliness and disposal of needles, before any registration is granted. That’s why anyone who tattoos or does ear piercing or electrolysis needs to be registered with their local council, so that basic checks can be carried out first, to ensure the public’s safety.”
The council investigated, after receiving a complaint from a parent that her 17 year old son had had a tattoo on his neck, which had been done by a shop in Harbour Street, Ramsgate.
Checks were carried out by the council’s licensing team and these confirmed that neither the shop not the individuals were registered. A licensing officer visited the shop with the police licensing officer, which had signs outside it saying “tattoos by Phil Simmons”. They entered the shop and asked for Mr. Simmons. When he confirmed who he was, the officers asked to see the registration certificate.
They were told that there wasn’t one for the premises and Mr. Simmons confirmed that the shop had been trading for around five months.
When questioned about tattooing the 17 year old boy, Mr. Simmons said that he usually asked for ID, but had assumed, on this occasion, that the boy was old enough, as he already had a tattoo. He was advised about checking for ID and was told that the police would not, on this occasion, be prosecuting for tattooing a minor.
Mr. Simmons (26) from Elfrida Close, Margate and the shop owner, Keith Perry (53) from Wincheap, Canterbury, were both prosecuted for tattooing without being registered with the council, an offence which can lead to a fine of up to £1,000. Mr. Perry was fined £100, while Mr. Simmons was fined £50, with both ordered to pay £50 costs and the victim surcharge of £15.
Cllr. Simon Moores, Cabinet Member for Customer Services and Regulatory Services, said: “When the council licenses a premise for tattooing, our officers check things such as cleanliness and disposal of needles, before any registration is granted. That’s why anyone who tattoos or does ear piercing or electrolysis needs to be registered with their local council, so that basic checks can be carried out first, to ensure the public’s safety.”
Monday, 21 June 2010
THOUSANDS ENJOY MARGATE’S BIG EVENT
Thousands of visitors made their way to Margate this weekend (Saturday 19 and Sunday 20) to celebrate Kent’s biggest air and land festival, Margate’s Big Event.
Despite the worst weather in the event’s history, more than 30,000 people still turned out to enjoy a full programme of thrilling aerial displays over Palm Bay. They included the first UK performance of 2010 by the Red Arrows and a spectacular 70th anniversary commemoration of the Battle of Britain. Margate was only the second venue to play host to this event.
The flying programme remained mainly largely unscathed by the weather, with only the Spitfire unable to fly during the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight on the Saturday and the Red Arrows having to make minor adjustments to their show on the Saturday.
Complementing the action in the air were entertainers and street performers on the ground, along with a fun fair with white knuckle rides and children’s attractions, food and drink village, fully licensed bars and helicopter rides. Torrential rain failed to put a dampener on the Saturday night concert by the Magic of the Beatles or the thrilling fireworks display that ended that day’s programme of entertainment.
Sunday brought better weather by the afternoon, with an increase in crowds, compared to the day before. Visitors came from as far afield as Germany and Scotland to enjoy the action over the weekend.
Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, Cllr. Martin Wise, said: “I would like to say a big thank you to all our visitors and exhibitors, along with the council staff who worked so hard to put on the event, all of whom braved the elements at Margate's Big Event this year. It was great to see so many people enjoying what was a fantastic event in true British spirit! There were thousands of people visiting from all over the South East, and some for the first time, so it was wonderful to see so many new faces coming to Thanet. Despite the appalling weather we encountered, the crowds who joined us were still treated to a packed bill of entertainment both in the air and on the ground. We have been really lucky in the past few years to have enjoyed such wonderful weather for Margate’s Big Event and so I'm pleased that, even though it rained on both days, so many people turned out to support the event."
Despite the worst weather in the event’s history, more than 30,000 people still turned out to enjoy a full programme of thrilling aerial displays over Palm Bay. They included the first UK performance of 2010 by the Red Arrows and a spectacular 70th anniversary commemoration of the Battle of Britain. Margate was only the second venue to play host to this event.
The flying programme remained mainly largely unscathed by the weather, with only the Spitfire unable to fly during the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight on the Saturday and the Red Arrows having to make minor adjustments to their show on the Saturday.
Complementing the action in the air were entertainers and street performers on the ground, along with a fun fair with white knuckle rides and children’s attractions, food and drink village, fully licensed bars and helicopter rides. Torrential rain failed to put a dampener on the Saturday night concert by the Magic of the Beatles or the thrilling fireworks display that ended that day’s programme of entertainment.
Sunday brought better weather by the afternoon, with an increase in crowds, compared to the day before. Visitors came from as far afield as Germany and Scotland to enjoy the action over the weekend.
Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, Cllr. Martin Wise, said: “I would like to say a big thank you to all our visitors and exhibitors, along with the council staff who worked so hard to put on the event, all of whom braved the elements at Margate's Big Event this year. It was great to see so many people enjoying what was a fantastic event in true British spirit! There were thousands of people visiting from all over the South East, and some for the first time, so it was wonderful to see so many new faces coming to Thanet. Despite the appalling weather we encountered, the crowds who joined us were still treated to a packed bill of entertainment both in the air and on the ground. We have been really lucky in the past few years to have enjoyed such wonderful weather for Margate’s Big Event and so I'm pleased that, even though it rained on both days, so many people turned out to support the event."
Sunday, 20 June 2010
Last two weeks planning applications
Ed. Sorry about this, I have just noticed that I forgot to publish the previous weeks planning applications and new documents at the beginning of last week.
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
17 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0272
18 RYDAL AVENUE RAMSGATE CT110PU
current
17 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0425
15 BARNES AVENUE MARGATE CT95EQ
current
17 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0454
1 WELLINGTON CRESCENT RAMSGATE CT118JL
current
17 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0460
REEVES YARD, HAWLEY STREET, MARGATE
current
17 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0467
42 PLAINS OF WATERLOO RAMSGATE CT118HX
current
17 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0470
13 HIGHFIELD CLOSE RAMSGATE CT126QN
current
17 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0476
144 GRANGE ROAD, RAMSGATE, CT11 9PR
current
17 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0482
LAND ADJ 44 EFFINGHAM STREET, RAMSGATE
current
17 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0488
WAYFARING AND LOWER WAYFARING, CLIFF PROMENADE, BROADSTAIRS, CT10 3QY
current
17 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0490
19 BRASSEY AVENUE BROADSTAIRS CT102DS
current
17 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0491
24 QUEEN ELIZABETH AVENUE MARGATE CT93LG
current
17 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0492
150 WESTBROOK AVENUE MARGATE CT95HN
current
17 Jun 2010
L/TH/10/0407
6 PARAGON, RAMSGATE, CT11 9JX
current
17 Jun 2010
L/TH/10/0450
1 WELLINGTON CRESCENT RAMSGATE CT118JL
current
14 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0408
2 FRIENDS AVENUE MARGATE CT93XE
current
14 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0414
206 NORTHDOWN ROAD, MARGATE, CT9 2QU
current
14 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0428
36 GROSVENOR PLACE MARGATE CT91UW
current
14 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0443
38 NORTHDOWN ROAD MARGATE CT92RW
current
14 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0445
20 VALE SQUARE RAMSGATE CT119DF
current
14 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0468
ST. LAWRENCE COLLEGE COLLEGE ROAD RAMSGATE CT117AF
current
14 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0471
GLADSTONE COURT SEAFIELD ROAD BROADSTAIRS
current
14 Jun 2010
L/TH/10/0257
KINGSGATE CASTLE, JOSS GAP ROAD, BROADSTAIRS, CT10 3PH
current
14 Jun 2010
L/TH/10/0446
20 VALE SQUARE RAMSGATE CT119DF
current
14 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0464
36 GREENFIELD ROAD RAMSGATE CT126TX
current
14 Jun 2010
TL/TH/10/0465
PAVEMENT CORNER OF HERESON ROAD & MONTEFIORE AVENUE RAMSGATE
current
09 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0331
9A RANCORN ROAD MARGATE CT95DG
current
09 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0390
THE PIER, THE HARBOUR, BROADSTAIRS
current
09 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0409
LAND ADJ 17 CLARENDON ROAD MARGATE CT92QJ
current
09 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0413
67-73 NORTHDOWN ROAD MARGATE CT92RJ
current
09 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0427
LAND REAR OF 76 HIGH STREET RAMSGATE CT119RS
current
09 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0432
178 HIGH STREET MARGATE CT91JZ
current
09 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0433
56 WHITFIELD AVENUE BROADSTAIRS CT103HX
current
09 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0439
7 FORENESS CLOSE BROADSTAIRS CT103RX
current
09 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0444
100 PARK AVENUE BIRCHINGTON CT70DL
current
09 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0452
107 LONDON ROAD RAMSGATE CT110DR
current
09 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0456
BLEAK HOUSE FORT ROAD BROADSTAIRS CT101EY
current
09 Jun 2010
L/TH/10/0404
15 ALBION PLACE RAMSGATE CT118HQ
current
07 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0277
PIPS WINE BAR LTD 35 ALBION STREET BROADSTAIRS CT101LU
current
07 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0368
89 WESTBROOK AVENUE MARGATE CT95HB
current
07 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0431
FORDOUN LODGE FORDOUN ROAD BROADSTAIRS CT102BN
current
07 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0434
9 SOUTHWOOD ROAD, 1-3 IVAN VILLAS, RAMSGATE, CT11 0AA
current
07 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0441
LAND R/O 305 CANTERBURY ROAD BIRCHINGTON
current
07 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0442
MINSTER HOUSE THE LANES MINSTER RAMSGATE CT124HN
current
07 Jun 2010
L/TH/10/0358
SIR STANLEY GRAY, 81 PEGWELL ROAD, RAMSGATE, CT11 0NJ
current
07 Jun 2010
M/TH/10/0387
UNIT J7 CHANNEL ROAD MARGATE CT94JS
decided
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
17 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0272
18 RYDAL AVENUE RAMSGATE CT110PU
current
17 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0425
15 BARNES AVENUE MARGATE CT95EQ
current
17 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0454
1 WELLINGTON CRESCENT RAMSGATE CT118JL
current
17 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0460
REEVES YARD, HAWLEY STREET, MARGATE
current
17 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0467
42 PLAINS OF WATERLOO RAMSGATE CT118HX
current
17 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0470
13 HIGHFIELD CLOSE RAMSGATE CT126QN
current
17 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0476
144 GRANGE ROAD, RAMSGATE, CT11 9PR
current
17 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0482
LAND ADJ 44 EFFINGHAM STREET, RAMSGATE
current
17 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0488
WAYFARING AND LOWER WAYFARING, CLIFF PROMENADE, BROADSTAIRS, CT10 3QY
current
17 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0490
19 BRASSEY AVENUE BROADSTAIRS CT102DS
current
17 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0491
24 QUEEN ELIZABETH AVENUE MARGATE CT93LG
current
17 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0492
150 WESTBROOK AVENUE MARGATE CT95HN
current
17 Jun 2010
L/TH/10/0407
6 PARAGON, RAMSGATE, CT11 9JX
current
17 Jun 2010
L/TH/10/0450
1 WELLINGTON CRESCENT RAMSGATE CT118JL
current
14 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0408
2 FRIENDS AVENUE MARGATE CT93XE
current
14 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0414
206 NORTHDOWN ROAD, MARGATE, CT9 2QU
current
14 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0428
36 GROSVENOR PLACE MARGATE CT91UW
current
14 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0443
38 NORTHDOWN ROAD MARGATE CT92RW
current
14 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0445
20 VALE SQUARE RAMSGATE CT119DF
current
14 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0468
ST. LAWRENCE COLLEGE COLLEGE ROAD RAMSGATE CT117AF
current
14 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0471
GLADSTONE COURT SEAFIELD ROAD BROADSTAIRS
current
14 Jun 2010
L/TH/10/0257
KINGSGATE CASTLE, JOSS GAP ROAD, BROADSTAIRS, CT10 3PH
current
14 Jun 2010
L/TH/10/0446
20 VALE SQUARE RAMSGATE CT119DF
current
14 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0464
36 GREENFIELD ROAD RAMSGATE CT126TX
current
14 Jun 2010
TL/TH/10/0465
PAVEMENT CORNER OF HERESON ROAD & MONTEFIORE AVENUE RAMSGATE
current
09 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0331
9A RANCORN ROAD MARGATE CT95DG
current
09 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0390
THE PIER, THE HARBOUR, BROADSTAIRS
current
09 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0409
LAND ADJ 17 CLARENDON ROAD MARGATE CT92QJ
current
09 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0413
67-73 NORTHDOWN ROAD MARGATE CT92RJ
current
09 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0427
LAND REAR OF 76 HIGH STREET RAMSGATE CT119RS
current
09 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0432
178 HIGH STREET MARGATE CT91JZ
current
09 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0433
56 WHITFIELD AVENUE BROADSTAIRS CT103HX
current
09 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0439
7 FORENESS CLOSE BROADSTAIRS CT103RX
current
09 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0444
100 PARK AVENUE BIRCHINGTON CT70DL
current
09 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0452
107 LONDON ROAD RAMSGATE CT110DR
current
09 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0456
BLEAK HOUSE FORT ROAD BROADSTAIRS CT101EY
current
09 Jun 2010
L/TH/10/0404
15 ALBION PLACE RAMSGATE CT118HQ
current
07 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0277
PIPS WINE BAR LTD 35 ALBION STREET BROADSTAIRS CT101LU
current
07 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0368
89 WESTBROOK AVENUE MARGATE CT95HB
current
07 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0431
FORDOUN LODGE FORDOUN ROAD BROADSTAIRS CT102BN
current
07 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0434
9 SOUTHWOOD ROAD, 1-3 IVAN VILLAS, RAMSGATE, CT11 0AA
current
07 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0441
LAND R/O 305 CANTERBURY ROAD BIRCHINGTON
current
07 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0442
MINSTER HOUSE THE LANES MINSTER RAMSGATE CT124HN
current
07 Jun 2010
L/TH/10/0358
SIR STANLEY GRAY, 81 PEGWELL ROAD, RAMSGATE, CT11 0NJ
current
07 Jun 2010
M/TH/10/0387
UNIT J7 CHANNEL ROAD MARGATE CT94JS
decided
New documents published by Thanet District Council,
17/06/2010 - Meeting held: Jun 17 2010 7:00PM, Cabinet
17/06/2010 - Meeting held: Jun 17 2010 10:30AM, Constitutional Review Working Party
16/06/2010 - Meeting held: Jun 16 2010 7:00PM, Planning Committee
16/06/2010 - Publication of plan: Forward Plan for period from 1 July 2010 to 1 January 2011; Cabinet
16/06/2010 - Decision Published: Exemption from mooring charges at Ramsgate Royal Harbour for the 6th Ramsgate Sea Scouts training vessels.; Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services
16/06/2010 - Issue Published: Exemption from mooring charges at Ramsgate Royal Harbour for the 6th Ramsgate Sea Scouts training vessels.
15/06/2010 - Meeting held: Jun 15 2010 7:00PM, Overview and Scrutiny Panel
14/06/2010 - Agenda published: Meeting of Jun 22 2010 6:00PM, Joint Transportation Board
14/06/2010 - Agenda published: Meeting of Jun 22 2010 10:30AM, Licensing Sub Commitee
14/06/2010 - Agenda published: Meeting of Jun 22 2010 10:00AM, Licensing Board
14/06/2010 - Agenda published: Meeting of Jun 22 2010 6:30PM, Governance and Audit Committee
11/06/2010 - Agenda supplement published - Supplementary Agenda 2 : Supplementary Agenda 2: Meeting of Jun 17 2010 7:00PM, Cabinet
10/06/2010 - Minutes published: Meeting of Jun 8 2010 5:00PM, General Purposes Committee
10/06/2010 - Agenda supplement published - Constitutional Review Working Party Supplemental Agenda : Constitutional Review Working Party Supplemental Agenda: Meeting of Jun 17 2010 10:30AM, Constitutional Review Working Party
09/06/2010 - Agenda supplement published - Supplementary Agenda : Supplementary Agenda: Meeting of Jun 17 2010 7:00PM, Cabinet
17/06/2010 - Meeting held: Jun 17 2010 10:30AM, Constitutional Review Working Party
16/06/2010 - Meeting held: Jun 16 2010 7:00PM, Planning Committee
16/06/2010 - Publication of plan: Forward Plan for period from 1 July 2010 to 1 January 2011; Cabinet
16/06/2010 - Decision Published: Exemption from mooring charges at Ramsgate Royal Harbour for the 6th Ramsgate Sea Scouts training vessels.; Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services
16/06/2010 - Issue Published: Exemption from mooring charges at Ramsgate Royal Harbour for the 6th Ramsgate Sea Scouts training vessels.
15/06/2010 - Meeting held: Jun 15 2010 7:00PM, Overview and Scrutiny Panel
14/06/2010 - Agenda published: Meeting of Jun 22 2010 6:00PM, Joint Transportation Board
14/06/2010 - Agenda published: Meeting of Jun 22 2010 10:30AM, Licensing Sub Commitee
14/06/2010 - Agenda published: Meeting of Jun 22 2010 10:00AM, Licensing Board
14/06/2010 - Agenda published: Meeting of Jun 22 2010 6:30PM, Governance and Audit Committee
11/06/2010 - Agenda supplement published - Supplementary Agenda 2 : Supplementary Agenda 2: Meeting of Jun 17 2010 7:00PM, Cabinet
10/06/2010 - Minutes published: Meeting of Jun 8 2010 5:00PM, General Purposes Committee
10/06/2010 - Agenda supplement published - Constitutional Review Working Party Supplemental Agenda : Constitutional Review Working Party Supplemental Agenda: Meeting of Jun 17 2010 10:30AM, Constitutional Review Working Party
09/06/2010 - Agenda supplement published - Supplementary Agenda : Supplementary Agenda: Meeting of Jun 17 2010 7:00PM, Cabinet
Friday, 18 June 2010
CONDITIONAL DISCHARGE FOR BENEFIT CHEAT
A Margate woman, who received more than £11,000 in benefits, fraudulently claimed while she was working, has been given a three year conditional discharge.
Lesley Robins (56), formerly of Grotto Road, claimed Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and Incapacity Benefit from 2007 until 2009. During that time, she was in employment with two separate employers, which she failed to declare.
She was invited to interview by the council’s fraud team and she was full and frank in declaring that she had not informed the necessary authorities of her changes in circumstance and was aware that she had received benefits that she was not entitled to. As a result, she was overpaid £6,306.18 of Housing Benefit, £1,066.64 of Council Tax Benefit and £3,909.82 of Incapacity Benefit.
She also provided a letter to the council, following her interview, saying sorry that she had failed to declare her true circumstances, but that she “had her own reasons for doing this.” She has since moved out of the area and is now living in Chrysler Avenue, Herne Bay.
The case was taken to Margate Magistrates court yesterday (Thursday 17 June) and she pleaded guilty to three charges. The Magistrates carefully considered her circumstances, as she is unwell. They said that they take benefit fraud seriously and had to consider imprisonment for the offence. She was sentenced to a three year conditional discharge and ordered to pay costs of £100 at a rate of £10 per fortnight.
To notify the council of a change in your circumstances, call 01843 577368.
Lesley Robins (56), formerly of Grotto Road, claimed Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and Incapacity Benefit from 2007 until 2009. During that time, she was in employment with two separate employers, which she failed to declare.
She was invited to interview by the council’s fraud team and she was full and frank in declaring that she had not informed the necessary authorities of her changes in circumstance and was aware that she had received benefits that she was not entitled to. As a result, she was overpaid £6,306.18 of Housing Benefit, £1,066.64 of Council Tax Benefit and £3,909.82 of Incapacity Benefit.
She also provided a letter to the council, following her interview, saying sorry that she had failed to declare her true circumstances, but that she “had her own reasons for doing this.” She has since moved out of the area and is now living in Chrysler Avenue, Herne Bay.
The case was taken to Margate Magistrates court yesterday (Thursday 17 June) and she pleaded guilty to three charges. The Magistrates carefully considered her circumstances, as she is unwell. They said that they take benefit fraud seriously and had to consider imprisonment for the offence. She was sentenced to a three year conditional discharge and ordered to pay costs of £100 at a rate of £10 per fortnight.
To notify the council of a change in your circumstances, call 01843 577368.
NEW PLAN TO TACKLE ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
A new strategy to tackle anti-social behaviour in Thanet has been given the green light.
Members of Thanet District Council’s Cabinet last night (Thursday 17 June) agreed the plans, which target four priority areas. These are supporting victims and witnesses, delivering enforcement in the worst cases, ensuring that all other cases are dealt with, using prevention and diversion, and looking to raise standards in the service they provide to residents.
It aims to deliver an overall reduction in anti-social behaviour of 5%, along with improvements in people’s perceptions of how safe the area is and their confidence in the police and council in tackling the issue.
Over the next 12 months, residents can expect to see the introduction of a victim and witnesses service for the worst cases in anti-social behaviour. This will help to ensure that people feel more comfortable providing evidence and attending court. Other measures being put in place are a roll out of extra CCTV cameras, particularly in housing blocks and the continued use of the anti-social behaviour toolkit, including anti-social behaviour orders, dispersal orders and crack house closures.
Cllr. Chris Wells, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “The council, along with its partners, is committed to tackling anti-social behaviour in Thanet. We know that it’s something that makes people’s lives a misery and that’s why we need to take action. We know that figures show that Thanet is becoming a safer place to live, but all too often, people don’t feel that. By taking robust action against anti-social behaviour, we hope to make people feel that Thanet is getting safer.”
Members of Thanet District Council’s Cabinet last night (Thursday 17 June) agreed the plans, which target four priority areas. These are supporting victims and witnesses, delivering enforcement in the worst cases, ensuring that all other cases are dealt with, using prevention and diversion, and looking to raise standards in the service they provide to residents.
It aims to deliver an overall reduction in anti-social behaviour of 5%, along with improvements in people’s perceptions of how safe the area is and their confidence in the police and council in tackling the issue.
Over the next 12 months, residents can expect to see the introduction of a victim and witnesses service for the worst cases in anti-social behaviour. This will help to ensure that people feel more comfortable providing evidence and attending court. Other measures being put in place are a roll out of extra CCTV cameras, particularly in housing blocks and the continued use of the anti-social behaviour toolkit, including anti-social behaviour orders, dispersal orders and crack house closures.
Cllr. Chris Wells, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “The council, along with its partners, is committed to tackling anti-social behaviour in Thanet. We know that it’s something that makes people’s lives a misery and that’s why we need to take action. We know that figures show that Thanet is becoming a safer place to live, but all too often, people don’t feel that. By taking robust action against anti-social behaviour, we hope to make people feel that Thanet is getting safer.”
COUNCIL PLANS SET OUT
Helping to regenerate Margate, cutting anti-social behaviour and improving people’s satisfaction with street cleaning in Thanet are just some of the plans for the council over the next year.
The measures are part of the latest refresh of the council’s Corporate Plan, which sets out its programme of work until 2011.
Amongst the priorities to be achieved between now and March 2011 are:
Supporting the work of the Margate Renewal Partnership to regenerate the town.
Completing the dredging of Ramsgate Marina and repairing the yacht basin pontoons.
Introducing a support programme for witnesses of anti-social behaviour.
Running an SOS bus in the evenings around Thanet.
Establishing a specialist domestic abuse court.
Delivering the top 10 Environmental Action Projects.
Improving public satisfaction with the cleanliness of the area.
Delivering affordable new homes.
Delivering the first phase of shared services in East Kent.
Leader of Thanet District Council, Cllr. Bob Bayford, said: “Although we’re entering the last year of our current Corporate Plan, it doesn’t mean that things are slowing down at all. As these plans show, there’s a huge amount of work to do between now and next spring and, over the coming year, we will also be drawing up a new plan that takes us from 2011 onwards. Despite the pressures brought by the current economic climate, our ultimate goal remains the same: to deliver services that make a difference to the lives of local people.”
The measures are part of the latest refresh of the council’s Corporate Plan, which sets out its programme of work until 2011.
Amongst the priorities to be achieved between now and March 2011 are:
Supporting the work of the Margate Renewal Partnership to regenerate the town.
Completing the dredging of Ramsgate Marina and repairing the yacht basin pontoons.
Introducing a support programme for witnesses of anti-social behaviour.
Running an SOS bus in the evenings around Thanet.
Establishing a specialist domestic abuse court.
Delivering the top 10 Environmental Action Projects.
Improving public satisfaction with the cleanliness of the area.
Delivering affordable new homes.
Delivering the first phase of shared services in East Kent.
Leader of Thanet District Council, Cllr. Bob Bayford, said: “Although we’re entering the last year of our current Corporate Plan, it doesn’t mean that things are slowing down at all. As these plans show, there’s a huge amount of work to do between now and next spring and, over the coming year, we will also be drawing up a new plan that takes us from 2011 onwards. Despite the pressures brought by the current economic climate, our ultimate goal remains the same: to deliver services that make a difference to the lives of local people.”
Grant Cuts
Cllr Richard NicholsonShadow Member for Finance & Corporate Services - TDCCllr R Nicholson said “The first in what will be a long line of cuts and reductions in services have been released in the latest Cabinet papers. Figures produced by TDC show Thanet initially suffering a 1.7% cut in grants which will effect front line services with both WNF (Working Neighbourhood Fund) and Crime and Justice being cut severely both this year and next. The figures show how Thanet is the worst effected in East Kent and at nearly twice the average for England. The glum faces of the Tories were not eased any when the Chief Executive confirmed that Thanet is being disproportionably effected and in the current year the cuts amount to over £500K.The mood was made worse when I pointed out it had been also announced the free swimming for the over 60s and under 16s is scrapped from July. How this shows support for getting residents physically active beggars belief.
In the case of WNF (Working Neighbourhood Fund) this includes a £120K cut to the apprenticeship programme, so much for the rhetoric in parliament about increasing apprenticeships!
In the Crime and Justice part of these cuts, salaries will probably be effected, we will have wait so see who’s but probably front line staff.
Other cuts which will impact Thanet are Central Government grants to KCC and the direct effects are not known at present but undoubtedly will hurt Thanet. Included in these are LABGI which is totally scrapped, despite being specifically targeted for business growth, and other area based grants.
There other grant cuts forecast, no doubt these are being signposted early to local authorities. The include Sea Change and the Arts Council both which may have major ramifications for Thanet.
I have no doubt that possibly next week but certainly by the Autumn when the spending review is completed we will find Thanet hit hard and I and my colleagues will strive to support the many in Thanet who need help by fighting for essential services to be maintained. One thing for sure is judging by the first steps is the pain will fall on the most vulnerable and needy in society.
Finally the report highlights the Home Office have suspended the work of it’s anti social behaviour unit due to “ministerial priorities”. Well ASB is a priority for Thanet residents and were we not told there was to be the end of decisions like this being taken by central government, again a case of the rhetoric not matching the actions.
Cllr R Nicholson Thanet 580057
Published by Thanet Labour Group Press Office - 44 Northdown Road, Margate, CT9 2RW.
In the case of WNF (Working Neighbourhood Fund) this includes a £120K cut to the apprenticeship programme, so much for the rhetoric in parliament about increasing apprenticeships!
In the Crime and Justice part of these cuts, salaries will probably be effected, we will have wait so see who’s but probably front line staff.
Other cuts which will impact Thanet are Central Government grants to KCC and the direct effects are not known at present but undoubtedly will hurt Thanet. Included in these are LABGI which is totally scrapped, despite being specifically targeted for business growth, and other area based grants.
There other grant cuts forecast, no doubt these are being signposted early to local authorities. The include Sea Change and the Arts Council both which may have major ramifications for Thanet.
I have no doubt that possibly next week but certainly by the Autumn when the spending review is completed we will find Thanet hit hard and I and my colleagues will strive to support the many in Thanet who need help by fighting for essential services to be maintained. One thing for sure is judging by the first steps is the pain will fall on the most vulnerable and needy in society.
Finally the report highlights the Home Office have suspended the work of it’s anti social behaviour unit due to “ministerial priorities”. Well ASB is a priority for Thanet residents and were we not told there was to be the end of decisions like this being taken by central government, again a case of the rhetoric not matching the actions.
Cllr R Nicholson Thanet 580057
Published by Thanet Labour Group Press Office - 44 Northdown Road, Margate, CT9 2RW.
SHADOW UPDATE 17/06/2010
Labour Shadow Team comments & questions for Thursday evening's TDC Cabinet meeting.
INTRODUCTION - Labour Group Leader - Cllr. Clive Hart.
Government cut backs, anti-social behaviour, housing, finance and even a lighthouse were discussed at Thursday evening's TDC Cabinet Meeting, along with many other issues. As always, our Labour Shadow team were present and ready to contribute on many pertinent points throughout the evening.
Cllr. Clive Hart - Phone: 01843 298770
AGENDA ITEM 4 - CHIEF EXEC'S RESPONSE TO "THE COALITION: OUR PROGRAMME FOR GOVERNMENT"
Cllr Richard Nicholson - Shadow Cabinet Member for Finance & Corporate Services.
The first in what will be a long line of cuts and reductions in services have been released in the latest Cabinet papers.
One item of note in the long list of the so called coalition agreement is on CCTV and how they will introduce “lay visitors” to CCTV control rooms. However as I pointed out at cabinet when we started the CCTV control operations both I and another Labour member was a lay visitor, of course this disappeared after May 2003. So the new government is 10 years out of date!
Figures produced by TDC show Thanet initially suffering a 1.7% cut in grants which will effect front line services with both WNF (Working Neighbourhood Fund) and Crime and Justice being cut severely both this year and next.
In the case of WNF this includes a £120K cut to the apprenticeship programme, so much for the rhetoric in parliament about increasing apprenticeships!
In the Crime and Justice cut, salaries will be effected, we wait so see who’s but probably front line staff.
Other cuts which will impact Thanet are grants to KCC and the effects are not known at present but undoubtedly will hurt Thanet. Included in these are LABGI and other area based grants.
There other grant cuts forecast, no doubt these are being signposted early to local authorities. They include Sea Change and the Arts Council both which may have major ramifications for Thanet.
Finally the report highlights the Home Office have suspended the work of it’s anti social behaviour unit due to “ministerial priorities”. Well ASB is a priority for Thanet residents and were we not told there was to be the end of decisions like this being taken by central government, again a case of the rhetoric not matching the actions.
Cllr. Richard Nicholson - Phone: 01843 580057
AGENDA ITEM 5 - ANNUAL REFRESH OF CORPORATE PLAN
Cllr Iris Johnston - Shadow Cabinet Member for Community Services.
I welcome some of the commitments in the Corporate plan refresh document and ask Councillor Wise for a date when the long awaited work of improving Margate High Street and Andrews Passage would commence? There are now rumours that there are not enough funds to remove the ‘ash trays’ a the top of the High Street and put the flowers back.
I refer members to the many reports over the years which recommended improvements to Margate Seafront and its environs. The Tibbalds report was commissioned by the previous Labour Administration on a request from KCC and SEEDA in 2003. This would have built on the improvements to Margate railings , shelters and Marine Gardens and would have complemented the purchase of the Harbour and the promised Turner Centre. I suggest that if the works first started in 1995 had been followed through after May 2003 Margate would not be in the sorry state it is now.
Many members and residents have ‘consultation fatigue’ and just want TDC and KCC to ‘get on with it’.
Cllr. Iris Johnston - Phone: 01843 299207
AGENDA ITEM 5 - ANNUAL REFRESH OF CORPORATE PLAN (continued)
Cllr Clive Hart - Labour Group Leader.
I welcome this report on the last year of this particular corporate plan.
Firstly I have to say that the key proposals for the 2011 plan onwards at 3.1 in the report all have enormous difficulties that each will need to overcome - not least funding - and they would all be extremely costly, in particular the proposed Parkway Station would also have knock-on effects for local infrastructure.
My comments now refer to annex 1:
Page 8 – I'm pleased to see the council supporting inward investment at Eurokent Business Park – we need the jobs NOT HOUSES!
Page 10 - The anti-social behaviour car, that police and council officers use to go out on patrol together needs much better promotion. Many residents are unaware of the service.
Page 12 – Our views on painting the lighthouse at the end of Margate Pier have been made – quite ridiculous to start proceeding with something that will need constant attention and money spent on it in a climate of cut-backs and when so many other matters need dealing with. The predicted finish date of March 2011 for this project would actually be the start date for regular maintenance costs.
Also pleased to see ‘key commitment’ to improving the quality and community use of parks and open spaces - does that mean - except building housing on the Montifiore Games Centre?
Page 14 – Pleased to see a ‘key commitment’ to the improvement of housing conditions for vulnerable households but this is completely at odds with the new Conservative Housing Minister who has this very week abandoned plans for a National Register of Landlords, regulation of letting and managing agents, and compulsory written tenancy agreements.
The same applies to page 16 and the ‘key commitment’ to a reduction in health inequalities. Can one of the Conservative cabinet please let your Conservative housing minister colleague know just how his actions will affect our most vulnerable residents?
Lastly, the ‘key commitment’ to consult and involve residents in council activities needs to be taken seriously and not just used to pay lip-service or tick boxes. Genuine consultation matters and many of the problems this authority faces could have been avoided if notice had been taken sooner, rather than later, of residents hopes, wishes and concerns.
Cllr. Clive Hart - Phone: 01843 298770
AGENDA ITEM 7 - A STRATEGY TO TACKLE ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR 2010-2011
Cllr Iris Johnston - Shadow Cabinet Member for Community Services.
I welcome the report on Anti Social behaviour and the strategy for 2010/2011 but highlight the importance of All elected members having an opportunity to meet on a regular basis with the Police, Fire service, Social services and the voluntary sector.
I refer to the recent Full Council meeting and express concern that the appointments to outside bodies appeared to be in abeyance for now so those who wished to attend the Crime and Disorder meetings are uncertain of their position. The changes to PACT meetings also required further examination.
In 1995 one of the first things our Labour administration in Thanet did was to build a rapport with all the external agencies fighting crime and supporting victims. We found our regular meetings vital in tackling the many problems we saw in our wards and we would want to see a return to the old system of meetings held here in the Chamber. It gave elected members a chance to ask questions and report concerns which could be followed up at the next scheduled meeting. Solutions to problems were often found and shared information led to quicker resolution and although we greatly appreciate the work Mark and Madeline and others do we would ask the Cabinet to revisit this style of meeting.
We are also helped by the former Labour Government’s legislation to fight Anti Social behaviour and Crime detailed in the report and as a Council I know the introduction of Town Wardens, PCSO’s and the increase in police numbers is a great help.
Poor neighbour relations continues to be problem for some residents despite efforts to resolve quickly. I understand the Mediation Service is based in Canterbury and I have discussed with Madeline the possibility of them holding surgeries in the Gateway which I hope the Cabinet would support.
Cllr. Iris Johnston - Phone: 01843 299207
AGENDA ITEM 8 EUROKENT BUSINESS PARK
Cllr. Alan Poole - Deputy Labour Group Leader & Shadow Member for Regeneration & Economic Development.
The Labour Group are pleased to note the upturn in the demand for units at the EuroKent Business Park………this is a very welcomed step forward particularly considering the current economic climate.
A couple of queries:-
1. The Business Park was designed to create ‘starter units’ for new businesses…..those currently occupying the units don’t appear to fit into that category….are we supplying ‘cheap’ accommodation for established firms?
2. Is the ‘999 year lease’ correct or is it a typo…….999 years seems a rather long time………….why not just sell the sites?
3. EuroKent is a joint development between TDC and SEEDA…..SEEDA own 85.1% of the development...........Thanet did very well under the Labour Government attracting large amounts of finance……...on page 10 of the CE Report, the CE notes that the new Government are going to replace SEEDA, he also says that the commitment is silent on what would happen to the investment resources….…..do we have any plans to coup with a worst case scenario where the money from Government completely dries up as this would appear to be a distinct possibility?
4. East Kent Opportunities (EKO) another joint development that was set up to provide business / employment opportunities have stated that they want to provide residential properties. The Labour Group feel that this is unacceptable…..the site should remain ‘employment land’ for business units there is a nearby site with planning permission for a 1000 homes that has not started………
Cllr Latchford explained that the business park was not specifically for start-up businesses but then failed to answer any of the other matters raised.
Cllr. Alan Poole - Phone 01843 602594
AGENDA ITEM 9 - COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
Cllr Iris Johnston - Shadow Cabinet Member for Community Services.
Concerns have been raised with me during the year that photo copying/printing via TDC was expensive and cheaper to do elsewhere. I ask if this is true?
There also seemed to be a poor response to consultation, 19.4% and 5.5%, and it may be that voluntary groups would prefer to be given monies to spend directly. It would also be very useful to see more TDC officers in attendance at Resident and other Groups meetings from time to time especially from a tourism/events point of view. Some officers are excellent in their support but others not so available.
We allow a number of voluntary groups to use the Labour Party office for free in Northdown Road as it is clear they cannot afford TDc’s charges. Many others ask us for help in identifying affordable premises.
Cllr. Iris Johnston - Phone: 01843 299207
AGENDA ITEM 10 - HOUSING REVENUE ACCOUNT
Cllr Iris Johnston - Shadow Cabinet Member for Community Services.
(The new Government’s plans to dismantle the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) subsidy scheme and requires a response by 6th July.)
I thank officers for the report and all the help they have given me in a recent meeting with Cllr Wells where we discussed the response which has a deadline of 6th July.
It is obviously important to formally respond and have cabinet approval as soon as possible but the Emergency budget due on the 22nd June. may have a significant impact and might even alter some of TDC’s responses. The spending Review in the Autumn could have an bigger impact and she asked if officers would be bringing a second paper once the facts were known.
Thanet has done very well over the years and only recently went into a negative subsidy position. When I attended a Housing meeting in London last year it was clear that very wealthy authorities were also able to find ways of avoiding making a contribution and the Government then was seeking to ensure there was a level playing field’
Cllr. Iris Johnston - Phone: 01843 299207
AGENDA ITEM 12 - ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORTING 2009 - 2010
Cllr Richard Nicholson - Shadow Cabinet Member for Finance & Corporate Services.
I have made it clear and after talking to many of my colleagues that despite what it states under Safer Neighbourhoods about the “generally good progress being made on the development of PACTs” this is clearly not true.
In Newington, which is often held up as best practice of a PACT working, it is clearly failing to do much good or attract the involvement of the public. Indeed it very often fails to attract the involvement of the police themselves or other agencies such as other RSLs.
Even Community Safety often do not turn up but thankfully the Wardens who were taken away from Newington do turn up when they can, this is much appreciated by residents.
On many occasions the attendance of TDC is absent or poor. I doubt if the PACT was not held just before the residents meeting if anyone would turn up. The last PACT at Newington lasted 10minutes, I timed it. And nothing new or positive emerged. It appears much the same is being experienced in other wards.
This a long way from the days when the first LMB (Local management Board) was set up and did much good. This was headed by us as Cllrs and tackled many other issues effecting the quality of life in our area.
I have asked that PACTs and how they work is looked at again
Cllr. Richard Nicholson - Phone: 01843 580057
Published by Thanet Labour Group Press Office - 44 Northdown Road, Margate, CT9 2RW.
INTRODUCTION - Labour Group Leader - Cllr. Clive Hart.
Government cut backs, anti-social behaviour, housing, finance and even a lighthouse were discussed at Thursday evening's TDC Cabinet Meeting, along with many other issues. As always, our Labour Shadow team were present and ready to contribute on many pertinent points throughout the evening.
Cllr. Clive Hart - Phone: 01843 298770
AGENDA ITEM 4 - CHIEF EXEC'S RESPONSE TO "THE COALITION: OUR PROGRAMME FOR GOVERNMENT"
Cllr Richard Nicholson - Shadow Cabinet Member for Finance & Corporate Services.
The first in what will be a long line of cuts and reductions in services have been released in the latest Cabinet papers.
One item of note in the long list of the so called coalition agreement is on CCTV and how they will introduce “lay visitors” to CCTV control rooms. However as I pointed out at cabinet when we started the CCTV control operations both I and another Labour member was a lay visitor, of course this disappeared after May 2003. So the new government is 10 years out of date!
Figures produced by TDC show Thanet initially suffering a 1.7% cut in grants which will effect front line services with both WNF (Working Neighbourhood Fund) and Crime and Justice being cut severely both this year and next.
In the case of WNF this includes a £120K cut to the apprenticeship programme, so much for the rhetoric in parliament about increasing apprenticeships!
In the Crime and Justice cut, salaries will be effected, we wait so see who’s but probably front line staff.
Other cuts which will impact Thanet are grants to KCC and the effects are not known at present but undoubtedly will hurt Thanet. Included in these are LABGI and other area based grants.
There other grant cuts forecast, no doubt these are being signposted early to local authorities. They include Sea Change and the Arts Council both which may have major ramifications for Thanet.
Finally the report highlights the Home Office have suspended the work of it’s anti social behaviour unit due to “ministerial priorities”. Well ASB is a priority for Thanet residents and were we not told there was to be the end of decisions like this being taken by central government, again a case of the rhetoric not matching the actions.
Cllr. Richard Nicholson - Phone: 01843 580057
AGENDA ITEM 5 - ANNUAL REFRESH OF CORPORATE PLAN
Cllr Iris Johnston - Shadow Cabinet Member for Community Services.
I welcome some of the commitments in the Corporate plan refresh document and ask Councillor Wise for a date when the long awaited work of improving Margate High Street and Andrews Passage would commence? There are now rumours that there are not enough funds to remove the ‘ash trays’ a the top of the High Street and put the flowers back.
I refer members to the many reports over the years which recommended improvements to Margate Seafront and its environs. The Tibbalds report was commissioned by the previous Labour Administration on a request from KCC and SEEDA in 2003. This would have built on the improvements to Margate railings , shelters and Marine Gardens and would have complemented the purchase of the Harbour and the promised Turner Centre. I suggest that if the works first started in 1995 had been followed through after May 2003 Margate would not be in the sorry state it is now.
Many members and residents have ‘consultation fatigue’ and just want TDC and KCC to ‘get on with it’.
Cllr. Iris Johnston - Phone: 01843 299207
AGENDA ITEM 5 - ANNUAL REFRESH OF CORPORATE PLAN (continued)
Cllr Clive Hart - Labour Group Leader.
I welcome this report on the last year of this particular corporate plan.
Firstly I have to say that the key proposals for the 2011 plan onwards at 3.1 in the report all have enormous difficulties that each will need to overcome - not least funding - and they would all be extremely costly, in particular the proposed Parkway Station would also have knock-on effects for local infrastructure.
My comments now refer to annex 1:
Page 8 – I'm pleased to see the council supporting inward investment at Eurokent Business Park – we need the jobs NOT HOUSES!
Page 10 - The anti-social behaviour car, that police and council officers use to go out on patrol together needs much better promotion. Many residents are unaware of the service.
Page 12 – Our views on painting the lighthouse at the end of Margate Pier have been made – quite ridiculous to start proceeding with something that will need constant attention and money spent on it in a climate of cut-backs and when so many other matters need dealing with. The predicted finish date of March 2011 for this project would actually be the start date for regular maintenance costs.
Also pleased to see ‘key commitment’ to improving the quality and community use of parks and open spaces - does that mean - except building housing on the Montifiore Games Centre?
Page 14 – Pleased to see a ‘key commitment’ to the improvement of housing conditions for vulnerable households but this is completely at odds with the new Conservative Housing Minister who has this very week abandoned plans for a National Register of Landlords, regulation of letting and managing agents, and compulsory written tenancy agreements.
The same applies to page 16 and the ‘key commitment’ to a reduction in health inequalities. Can one of the Conservative cabinet please let your Conservative housing minister colleague know just how his actions will affect our most vulnerable residents?
Lastly, the ‘key commitment’ to consult and involve residents in council activities needs to be taken seriously and not just used to pay lip-service or tick boxes. Genuine consultation matters and many of the problems this authority faces could have been avoided if notice had been taken sooner, rather than later, of residents hopes, wishes and concerns.
Cllr. Clive Hart - Phone: 01843 298770
AGENDA ITEM 7 - A STRATEGY TO TACKLE ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR 2010-2011
Cllr Iris Johnston - Shadow Cabinet Member for Community Services.
I welcome the report on Anti Social behaviour and the strategy for 2010/2011 but highlight the importance of All elected members having an opportunity to meet on a regular basis with the Police, Fire service, Social services and the voluntary sector.
I refer to the recent Full Council meeting and express concern that the appointments to outside bodies appeared to be in abeyance for now so those who wished to attend the Crime and Disorder meetings are uncertain of their position. The changes to PACT meetings also required further examination.
In 1995 one of the first things our Labour administration in Thanet did was to build a rapport with all the external agencies fighting crime and supporting victims. We found our regular meetings vital in tackling the many problems we saw in our wards and we would want to see a return to the old system of meetings held here in the Chamber. It gave elected members a chance to ask questions and report concerns which could be followed up at the next scheduled meeting. Solutions to problems were often found and shared information led to quicker resolution and although we greatly appreciate the work Mark and Madeline and others do we would ask the Cabinet to revisit this style of meeting.
We are also helped by the former Labour Government’s legislation to fight Anti Social behaviour and Crime detailed in the report and as a Council I know the introduction of Town Wardens, PCSO’s and the increase in police numbers is a great help.
Poor neighbour relations continues to be problem for some residents despite efforts to resolve quickly. I understand the Mediation Service is based in Canterbury and I have discussed with Madeline the possibility of them holding surgeries in the Gateway which I hope the Cabinet would support.
Cllr. Iris Johnston - Phone: 01843 299207
AGENDA ITEM 8 EUROKENT BUSINESS PARK
Cllr. Alan Poole - Deputy Labour Group Leader & Shadow Member for Regeneration & Economic Development.
The Labour Group are pleased to note the upturn in the demand for units at the EuroKent Business Park………this is a very welcomed step forward particularly considering the current economic climate.
A couple of queries:-
1. The Business Park was designed to create ‘starter units’ for new businesses…..those currently occupying the units don’t appear to fit into that category….are we supplying ‘cheap’ accommodation for established firms?
2. Is the ‘999 year lease’ correct or is it a typo…….999 years seems a rather long time………….why not just sell the sites?
3. EuroKent is a joint development between TDC and SEEDA…..SEEDA own 85.1% of the development...........Thanet did very well under the Labour Government attracting large amounts of finance……...on page 10 of the CE Report, the CE notes that the new Government are going to replace SEEDA, he also says that the commitment is silent on what would happen to the investment resources….…..do we have any plans to coup with a worst case scenario where the money from Government completely dries up as this would appear to be a distinct possibility?
4. East Kent Opportunities (EKO) another joint development that was set up to provide business / employment opportunities have stated that they want to provide residential properties. The Labour Group feel that this is unacceptable…..the site should remain ‘employment land’ for business units there is a nearby site with planning permission for a 1000 homes that has not started………
Cllr Latchford explained that the business park was not specifically for start-up businesses but then failed to answer any of the other matters raised.
Cllr. Alan Poole - Phone 01843 602594
AGENDA ITEM 9 - COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
Cllr Iris Johnston - Shadow Cabinet Member for Community Services.
Concerns have been raised with me during the year that photo copying/printing via TDC was expensive and cheaper to do elsewhere. I ask if this is true?
There also seemed to be a poor response to consultation, 19.4% and 5.5%, and it may be that voluntary groups would prefer to be given monies to spend directly. It would also be very useful to see more TDC officers in attendance at Resident and other Groups meetings from time to time especially from a tourism/events point of view. Some officers are excellent in their support but others not so available.
We allow a number of voluntary groups to use the Labour Party office for free in Northdown Road as it is clear they cannot afford TDc’s charges. Many others ask us for help in identifying affordable premises.
Cllr. Iris Johnston - Phone: 01843 299207
AGENDA ITEM 10 - HOUSING REVENUE ACCOUNT
Cllr Iris Johnston - Shadow Cabinet Member for Community Services.
(The new Government’s plans to dismantle the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) subsidy scheme and requires a response by 6th July.)
I thank officers for the report and all the help they have given me in a recent meeting with Cllr Wells where we discussed the response which has a deadline of 6th July.
It is obviously important to formally respond and have cabinet approval as soon as possible but the Emergency budget due on the 22nd June. may have a significant impact and might even alter some of TDC’s responses. The spending Review in the Autumn could have an bigger impact and she asked if officers would be bringing a second paper once the facts were known.
Thanet has done very well over the years and only recently went into a negative subsidy position. When I attended a Housing meeting in London last year it was clear that very wealthy authorities were also able to find ways of avoiding making a contribution and the Government then was seeking to ensure there was a level playing field’
Cllr. Iris Johnston - Phone: 01843 299207
AGENDA ITEM 12 - ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORTING 2009 - 2010
Cllr Richard Nicholson - Shadow Cabinet Member for Finance & Corporate Services.
I have made it clear and after talking to many of my colleagues that despite what it states under Safer Neighbourhoods about the “generally good progress being made on the development of PACTs” this is clearly not true.
In Newington, which is often held up as best practice of a PACT working, it is clearly failing to do much good or attract the involvement of the public. Indeed it very often fails to attract the involvement of the police themselves or other agencies such as other RSLs.
Even Community Safety often do not turn up but thankfully the Wardens who were taken away from Newington do turn up when they can, this is much appreciated by residents.
On many occasions the attendance of TDC is absent or poor. I doubt if the PACT was not held just before the residents meeting if anyone would turn up. The last PACT at Newington lasted 10minutes, I timed it. And nothing new or positive emerged. It appears much the same is being experienced in other wards.
This a long way from the days when the first LMB (Local management Board) was set up and did much good. This was headed by us as Cllrs and tackled many other issues effecting the quality of life in our area.
I have asked that PACTs and how they work is looked at again
Cllr. Richard Nicholson - Phone: 01843 580057
Published by Thanet Labour Group Press Office - 44 Northdown Road, Margate, CT9 2RW.
Thursday, 17 June 2010
PLANNING MEMBER REPEATS PLEA
During discussions on Thanet's Local Development Framework at the TDC Planning Committee meeting on Wednesday evening Cllr. Clive Hart repeated his plea for minimum floor sizes for new homes across Thanet to be increased as a priority.
Cllr Hart said "The TDC report we discussed this evening explained that there had been significant growth in the number of flats being built throughout the district and pointed to the loss of family size housing to flats and smaller denser development. It also stated that as long ago as 1997 a study here in Thanet had indicated that the existing housing stock by size and type was by then already over-represented by smaller units.
The report confirmed that the number of permissions for smaller flats had accelerated further since then and it also pointed to the problems this type of housing imbalance had created by way of numbers of vulnerable people and a growing dependency culture.
The serious detrimental effect that cramped living conditions can have on health and crime are the issues we in the Labour Group have been arguing in our campaign to increase the minimum size of any new homes being built across Thanet.
On Wednesday evening, having had our original concerns once more confirmed by this latest TDC report, I repeated my plea for TDC to THINK AGAIN, listen to the serious concerns of local residents and to make increased minimum sizes for new homes across Thanet a top planning priority."
________________________________
Note1: Less than a month ago, at the TDC Cabinet meeting on 20th May, the Conservative Cabinet Member for Housing Cllr Chris Wells ignored Cllr Hart's motion calling for an increase in the minimum sizes for new homes across Thanet and moved that members confirm the existing programme only. Therefore, to date, no additional resources have been made available to bring forward the programme and the lengthy, drawn out, eight stage process just to START discussions including minimum flat sizes will not begin until April 2011 (+ even more time for what TDC describe as 'slippage').
Note2: FROM THANET LABOUR GROUP SHADOW UPDATE - 20th May 2010.
AGENDA ITEM 4 - NOTICE OF MOTION SUBMITTED BY COUNCILLOR C. HART IN RELATION TO MINIMUM SIZE OF FLATS IN NEW DEVELOPMENT Labour Group Leader - Cllr. Clive Hart. "When I proposed this motion at full council I outlined the detrimental effect that small and cramped flats can have on mental health and crime in overdeveloped areas of Thanet so I won’t repeat those concerns today. Instead I’d like to concentrate on the report before us and the long term effect on our next generation. According to Shelter one in ten children are being failed because of cramped living conditions. There is overwhelming and devastating evidence that overcrowding undermines family wellbeing and quality of life, from health to education. Children who live in these conditions have a severe lack of space to play or do homework, and most disturbingly, are ten times more likely to contract meningitis than other children. There must be a concerted effort to build better-designed affordable homes in Thanet and to drag our local private rented sector into the 21st century. The latter can only be done if minimum room sizes for new flats, particularly in the private sector, are increased, and quickly. At paragraph 2.3 of the brief report before us, written by the Director of Regeneration Services, we are informed that a review of flat conversion guidelines – leading to a Supplementary Planning Document - is timetabled to begin as late as April 2011, but that there has already been slippage in that particular timetable. At paragraph 2.5 the lengthy eight point process needed to adopt such an SPD is also outlined. Simply put, to just confirm the existing programme for the Conversion Guidelines SPD that will hopefully increase minimum room sizes here in Thanet would mean that this administration would be jeopardising many local children’s life chances and ignoring their health needs. Last night (Wednesday 19th May) I sat in the very chair that you are sitting in now chairman and listened to council officers telling the planning committee that an application for a very cramped block of flats in Ramsgate was OK because it met TDC's minimum flat size rules. So there's the evidence chairman, each and every day we delay dealing with this issue more and more cramped flats are being built. I therefore call on Cabinet to allocate extra resources to enable the SPD to be brought forward earlier – option 3.1 (ii) in the report. Please give our local kids a fighting chance". Cllr. Clive Hart - Phone: 01843 298770 Ignoring Cllr Hart's plea, Conservative Cabinet Member Cllr Chris Wells moved that members confirm the existing programme only. Therefore, no additional resources will be made available to bring forward the programme and the lengthy, drawn out, eight stage process to start discussions including minimum flat sizes will not begin until April 2011 (+ some time for 'slippage' of course).
Published by Thanet Labour Group Press Office, 44 Northdown Road, Margate, CT9 2RW.
Cllr Hart said "The TDC report we discussed this evening explained that there had been significant growth in the number of flats being built throughout the district and pointed to the loss of family size housing to flats and smaller denser development. It also stated that as long ago as 1997 a study here in Thanet had indicated that the existing housing stock by size and type was by then already over-represented by smaller units.
The report confirmed that the number of permissions for smaller flats had accelerated further since then and it also pointed to the problems this type of housing imbalance had created by way of numbers of vulnerable people and a growing dependency culture.
The serious detrimental effect that cramped living conditions can have on health and crime are the issues we in the Labour Group have been arguing in our campaign to increase the minimum size of any new homes being built across Thanet.
On Wednesday evening, having had our original concerns once more confirmed by this latest TDC report, I repeated my plea for TDC to THINK AGAIN, listen to the serious concerns of local residents and to make increased minimum sizes for new homes across Thanet a top planning priority."
________________________________
Note1: Less than a month ago, at the TDC Cabinet meeting on 20th May, the Conservative Cabinet Member for Housing Cllr Chris Wells ignored Cllr Hart's motion calling for an increase in the minimum sizes for new homes across Thanet and moved that members confirm the existing programme only. Therefore, to date, no additional resources have been made available to bring forward the programme and the lengthy, drawn out, eight stage process just to START discussions including minimum flat sizes will not begin until April 2011 (+ even more time for what TDC describe as 'slippage').
Note2: FROM THANET LABOUR GROUP SHADOW UPDATE - 20th May 2010.
AGENDA ITEM 4 - NOTICE OF MOTION SUBMITTED BY COUNCILLOR C. HART IN RELATION TO MINIMUM SIZE OF FLATS IN NEW DEVELOPMENT Labour Group Leader - Cllr. Clive Hart. "When I proposed this motion at full council I outlined the detrimental effect that small and cramped flats can have on mental health and crime in overdeveloped areas of Thanet so I won’t repeat those concerns today. Instead I’d like to concentrate on the report before us and the long term effect on our next generation. According to Shelter one in ten children are being failed because of cramped living conditions. There is overwhelming and devastating evidence that overcrowding undermines family wellbeing and quality of life, from health to education. Children who live in these conditions have a severe lack of space to play or do homework, and most disturbingly, are ten times more likely to contract meningitis than other children. There must be a concerted effort to build better-designed affordable homes in Thanet and to drag our local private rented sector into the 21st century. The latter can only be done if minimum room sizes for new flats, particularly in the private sector, are increased, and quickly. At paragraph 2.3 of the brief report before us, written by the Director of Regeneration Services, we are informed that a review of flat conversion guidelines – leading to a Supplementary Planning Document - is timetabled to begin as late as April 2011, but that there has already been slippage in that particular timetable. At paragraph 2.5 the lengthy eight point process needed to adopt such an SPD is also outlined. Simply put, to just confirm the existing programme for the Conversion Guidelines SPD that will hopefully increase minimum room sizes here in Thanet would mean that this administration would be jeopardising many local children’s life chances and ignoring their health needs. Last night (Wednesday 19th May) I sat in the very chair that you are sitting in now chairman and listened to council officers telling the planning committee that an application for a very cramped block of flats in Ramsgate was OK because it met TDC's minimum flat size rules. So there's the evidence chairman, each and every day we delay dealing with this issue more and more cramped flats are being built. I therefore call on Cabinet to allocate extra resources to enable the SPD to be brought forward earlier – option 3.1 (ii) in the report. Please give our local kids a fighting chance". Cllr. Clive Hart - Phone: 01843 298770 Ignoring Cllr Hart's plea, Conservative Cabinet Member Cllr Chris Wells moved that members confirm the existing programme only. Therefore, no additional resources will be made available to bring forward the programme and the lengthy, drawn out, eight stage process to start discussions including minimum flat sizes will not begin until April 2011 (+ some time for 'slippage' of course).
Published by Thanet Labour Group Press Office, 44 Northdown Road, Margate, CT9 2RW.
Tuesday, 15 June 2010
Laura Calls for Carers to be placed at the Heart of the Review on Care for the Elderly in her maiden speech
Laura’s Maiden Speech focused on South Thanet and the Importance of Carers at the beginning of Carers Week
Laura Calls for Carers to be placed at the Heart of the Review on Care for the Elderly
Laura Sandys (South Thanet) (Con): Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker, for allowing me to contribute to this debate and to make my maiden speech.
My priority in the House, for as long as the people of South Thanet so choose, is to serve them and to ensure that the House and this Government support their needs and address their concerns.
I pay tribute to my predecessor, Dr Ladyman. He was an exceptionally committed Member of Parliament for South Thanet for 13 years, and held two distinguished posts in Transport and Health. On a personal note, he was extremely courteous and generous throughout our four-year campaigning trail together. I wish him great good luck in his new job as chief executive of a retirement home company. I know that in that role he will show the same commitment with which he served the people of South Thanet.
I live in and represent one of the best-kept secrets in the country-a series of towns and villages that demonstrate what is best about this country. I know how beautiful, how surprising and how unique each of the towns is that I represent, but over the last four years it has been particularly rewarding to see the number of supporters who came to South Thanet-some of them are here tonight-and who gasped with excitement when they saw the beauty of Ramsgate harbour, who saw that Broadstairs is one of the most perfect seaside towns, and who were staggered by Sandwich, which is considered nationally the most perfect medieval town. Even in Cliftonville, the poorest ward in the south-east, people recognised its architecture and its potential.
South Thanet has a particular relationship with the House. I live about a quarter of a mile from where Pugin built a church and his house. Ramsgate has many of the same architectural icons as the House, so there is a part of this place in South Thanet and a part of South Thanet here.
It is not just the place itself. The people of east Kent and South Thanet have attitude. We are independent. We have stood up against many wars and we have been on the front line against many invasions. I was privileged to be at the 70th anniversary of the Dunkirk little ships. Many people from my area, whether fishermen or small boat owners, went in their boats to save 300,000 of our soldiers who were on the beaches of Dunkirk. I am proud to represent such courageous and independent people in the House.
We have come into government at one of the most difficult times for many generations and what we achieve in the next five years will define our future for the next generation. I am sure that none of us on the Government Benches are under the illusion that we will not have to do things that will make us unpopular. What we must be judged on is whether we are being fair and whether we are rewarding those who take responsibility.
It is on fairness and responsibility that I want to contribute to the debate. This week is the start of carers week. In South Thanet, we have one of the largest numbers of carers in the country. Coastal towns have a high percentage of carers. Young, old, frail, healthy-carers are selfless family members whose lives become dominated by the responsibilities they voluntarily take on. Being a carer is not subject to any working time directive; carers are full-time, on call 24 hours. Their lives are dominated by the needs of others. When helping those with chronic illnesses, they often forfeit their own life, and certainly their livelihood. Having watched my mother look after my father for five years before he died, I have seen at first hand the toll that can be taken on the carer.
We need to ensure that we put carers at the heart of our review of care for the elderly. It is crucial that we look at the role they play. In many ways, they will be one of the front lines in public services in the future. I urge the Government to ensure that we support those who support their loved ones. We need to look again at providing respite for carers. We need to review the cut-off of carer's allowance when people reach pensionable age-just when they need it most-and we need to place the carer's role at the heart of our review of care for the elderly.
When we leave the House-not for many years, we hope-we might all need carers, or we might all need to care for others. I would prefer that to be done by a loving relative-someone who will be there for me in my time of need-and I am certain that many other Members would, too. As the Prime Minister says, we need to reward those who take responsibility, and never can that be better said than about 6 million carers who give up their lives and selflessly give their time to their loved ones.
Laura Calls for Carers to be placed at the Heart of the Review on Care for the Elderly
Laura Sandys (South Thanet) (Con): Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker, for allowing me to contribute to this debate and to make my maiden speech.
My priority in the House, for as long as the people of South Thanet so choose, is to serve them and to ensure that the House and this Government support their needs and address their concerns.
I pay tribute to my predecessor, Dr Ladyman. He was an exceptionally committed Member of Parliament for South Thanet for 13 years, and held two distinguished posts in Transport and Health. On a personal note, he was extremely courteous and generous throughout our four-year campaigning trail together. I wish him great good luck in his new job as chief executive of a retirement home company. I know that in that role he will show the same commitment with which he served the people of South Thanet.
I live in and represent one of the best-kept secrets in the country-a series of towns and villages that demonstrate what is best about this country. I know how beautiful, how surprising and how unique each of the towns is that I represent, but over the last four years it has been particularly rewarding to see the number of supporters who came to South Thanet-some of them are here tonight-and who gasped with excitement when they saw the beauty of Ramsgate harbour, who saw that Broadstairs is one of the most perfect seaside towns, and who were staggered by Sandwich, which is considered nationally the most perfect medieval town. Even in Cliftonville, the poorest ward in the south-east, people recognised its architecture and its potential.
South Thanet has a particular relationship with the House. I live about a quarter of a mile from where Pugin built a church and his house. Ramsgate has many of the same architectural icons as the House, so there is a part of this place in South Thanet and a part of South Thanet here.
It is not just the place itself. The people of east Kent and South Thanet have attitude. We are independent. We have stood up against many wars and we have been on the front line against many invasions. I was privileged to be at the 70th anniversary of the Dunkirk little ships. Many people from my area, whether fishermen or small boat owners, went in their boats to save 300,000 of our soldiers who were on the beaches of Dunkirk. I am proud to represent such courageous and independent people in the House.
We have come into government at one of the most difficult times for many generations and what we achieve in the next five years will define our future for the next generation. I am sure that none of us on the Government Benches are under the illusion that we will not have to do things that will make us unpopular. What we must be judged on is whether we are being fair and whether we are rewarding those who take responsibility.
It is on fairness and responsibility that I want to contribute to the debate. This week is the start of carers week. In South Thanet, we have one of the largest numbers of carers in the country. Coastal towns have a high percentage of carers. Young, old, frail, healthy-carers are selfless family members whose lives become dominated by the responsibilities they voluntarily take on. Being a carer is not subject to any working time directive; carers are full-time, on call 24 hours. Their lives are dominated by the needs of others. When helping those with chronic illnesses, they often forfeit their own life, and certainly their livelihood. Having watched my mother look after my father for five years before he died, I have seen at first hand the toll that can be taken on the carer.
We need to ensure that we put carers at the heart of our review of care for the elderly. It is crucial that we look at the role they play. In many ways, they will be one of the front lines in public services in the future. I urge the Government to ensure that we support those who support their loved ones. We need to look again at providing respite for carers. We need to review the cut-off of carer's allowance when people reach pensionable age-just when they need it most-and we need to place the carer's role at the heart of our review of care for the elderly.
When we leave the House-not for many years, we hope-we might all need carers, or we might all need to care for others. I would prefer that to be done by a loving relative-someone who will be there for me in my time of need-and I am certain that many other Members would, too. As the Prime Minister says, we need to reward those who take responsibility, and never can that be better said than about 6 million carers who give up their lives and selflessly give their time to their loved ones.
Monday, 14 June 2010
BROADSTAIRS GIRL NAMED AS THANET’S “NOISIEST”!
A Broadstairs girl has been named as Thanet’s noisiest, following a competition to celebrate Noise Action Day.
Organised by the council’s Environmental Protection team, they spent the day at Asda in Broadstairs, highlighting the work they do to local residents. As part of the day, a competition was held to find the noisiest child.
The winner was nine year old Paige Crow, from Broadstairs, whose shout registered 121 decibels, which is equivalent to a fire engine’s sirens. Her shout was louder than last year’s winner, who only managed to hit 106.5 decibels. Paige won a £25 WHSmith voucher, along with flowers and chocolates donated by Asda.
Cllr. Chris Wells, Cabinet Member for Community Services, who presented the prize, said: “Although this is a fun competition, it’s got a serious side to it. It’s about ensuring the public understand the work that our Environmental Protection Team do and how they can help people. It’s also a great opportunity to remind people just how intrusive noise can be in people’s daily lives. We try and encourage people to consider their neighbours when they’re doing daily tasks, such as playing music, watching the TV or carrying out DIY work.”
Organised by the council’s Environmental Protection team, they spent the day at Asda in Broadstairs, highlighting the work they do to local residents. As part of the day, a competition was held to find the noisiest child.
The winner was nine year old Paige Crow, from Broadstairs, whose shout registered 121 decibels, which is equivalent to a fire engine’s sirens. Her shout was louder than last year’s winner, who only managed to hit 106.5 decibels. Paige won a £25 WHSmith voucher, along with flowers and chocolates donated by Asda.
Cllr. Chris Wells, Cabinet Member for Community Services, who presented the prize, said: “Although this is a fun competition, it’s got a serious side to it. It’s about ensuring the public understand the work that our Environmental Protection Team do and how they can help people. It’s also a great opportunity to remind people just how intrusive noise can be in people’s daily lives. We try and encourage people to consider their neighbours when they’re doing daily tasks, such as playing music, watching the TV or carrying out DIY work.”
Friday, 11 June 2010
NEW TOURISM AMBASSADORS FOR THANET
New tourism ambassadors are being trained, so that they can give information to visitors coming to the area about Thanet and its attractions.
The training course is the brainchild of the council’s tourism team. The first set of tourism ambassadors to be trained, all of whom work for Thanet Leisure Force, are the area’s beach inspectors, together with staff from the Winter Gardens and the area’s leisure centres. They were chosen as they come into contact with hundreds of visitors each day during the summer season and already deal with many of their queries.
The aim of the new ambassadors is to be visible and active tourism champions for Thanet and to help ensure that visitors have an excellent experience when they are in the area.
The training course takes the ambassadors through facts about tourism in Thanet, the area’s history, its major events, attractions and details about Thanet’s beaches. The ambassadors are also given a handbook, which has much of the information in it, so that they can look up anything they need, as well as receiving support from the district's award winning visitor information team.
In addition, all the ambassadors have been the first people in Kent to complete the new Welcome Host Gold training, which aims to help them provide an even better welcome to visitors to the area.
Cllr. Martin Wise, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, said: “This is part of the council’s approach to modernising the visitor information service that we offer. Times are changing and these days, most people have already done a lot of research online before they visit an area. However, we know that there’s a lot that we can tell people about Thanet and what there is to see and do here. That’s why we’re equipping some of the people who are out and about in Thanet and deal with visitors all the time with this information. It’s an extra way of ensuring that we get the information out to the people coming into Thanet. I’d like to take this opportunity to publically thank Thanet Leisure Force for their help in supporting this initiative.”
The training course is the brainchild of the council’s tourism team. The first set of tourism ambassadors to be trained, all of whom work for Thanet Leisure Force, are the area’s beach inspectors, together with staff from the Winter Gardens and the area’s leisure centres. They were chosen as they come into contact with hundreds of visitors each day during the summer season and already deal with many of their queries.
The aim of the new ambassadors is to be visible and active tourism champions for Thanet and to help ensure that visitors have an excellent experience when they are in the area.
The training course takes the ambassadors through facts about tourism in Thanet, the area’s history, its major events, attractions and details about Thanet’s beaches. The ambassadors are also given a handbook, which has much of the information in it, so that they can look up anything they need, as well as receiving support from the district's award winning visitor information team.
In addition, all the ambassadors have been the first people in Kent to complete the new Welcome Host Gold training, which aims to help them provide an even better welcome to visitors to the area.
Cllr. Martin Wise, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, said: “This is part of the council’s approach to modernising the visitor information service that we offer. Times are changing and these days, most people have already done a lot of research online before they visit an area. However, we know that there’s a lot that we can tell people about Thanet and what there is to see and do here. That’s why we’re equipping some of the people who are out and about in Thanet and deal with visitors all the time with this information. It’s an extra way of ensuring that we get the information out to the people coming into Thanet. I’d like to take this opportunity to publically thank Thanet Leisure Force for their help in supporting this initiative.”
TOP AERIAL DISPLAY FOR MARGATE’S BIG EVENT
Margate’s Big Event is set to be only the second air show in the country to host a special 70th anniversary commemoration of the Battle of Britain.
The news comes after it was announced that Margate would be the first UK stop for the world famous Red Arrows for 2010, with their appearance at the Big Event kicking off their display season.
Now it’s been confirmed that Margate will be one of the first places to showcase “A Moment of Eternity”, put together by Airsound, a display with Spitfires and a Messerschmitt 109 in the air, along with a moving commentary.
Commentator Seán Maffett says: “We’ll have the very best pilots and aircraft flying in the sky. Over the speakers, you’ll be able to hear the words of Churchill and Hitler, and the mastermind of the Battle of Britain, Sir Hugh Dowding. You’ll also be hearing the facts, thoughts, feelings - and surprises - that go to make up this vitally important historical event.”
Entry to Margate’s Big Event will be £2.00 on both Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 June. As well as the display from the Red Arrows and the “Moment of Eternity” commemoration, there will be a full programme of flying on both days. On the ground, visitors can enjoy live music, street performances and entertainers. Tickets are now on sale for Margate’s Big Event at the Margate Visitor Information Centre at 12-13 The Parade, Margate. The event programme goes on sale at the VIC from Friday 11 June and will cost £3.00. The VIC is open from 10am until 5pm seven days a week.
Cllr. Martin Wise, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, said: “Margate’s Big Event is really shaping up to be the best yet, with the news that we’re going to be amongst the first in the country to be able to enjoy this unique commemoration of the Battle of Britain. Of course, the crowds coming to this year’s Big Event will also be the first in the UK to witness this season’s display by the Red Arrows.”
The event will be open from 10am until 10pm on the Saturday and from 10.30am to 6pm on the Sunday. Ticket holders will be able to leave and return to the site as often as they want throughout each day and there is no additional charge for the concert on the Saturday evening for ticketholders.
Visitors to the event with large quantities of alcohol will not be allowed in and only assistance dogs will be allowed into this year’s event, as previous experience has shown that it is not suitable for dogs.
For more information about the Big Event, go to www.thanet.gov.uk/margatesbigevent or call 01843 577577.
The news comes after it was announced that Margate would be the first UK stop for the world famous Red Arrows for 2010, with their appearance at the Big Event kicking off their display season.
Now it’s been confirmed that Margate will be one of the first places to showcase “A Moment of Eternity”, put together by Airsound, a display with Spitfires and a Messerschmitt 109 in the air, along with a moving commentary.
Commentator Seán Maffett says: “We’ll have the very best pilots and aircraft flying in the sky. Over the speakers, you’ll be able to hear the words of Churchill and Hitler, and the mastermind of the Battle of Britain, Sir Hugh Dowding. You’ll also be hearing the facts, thoughts, feelings - and surprises - that go to make up this vitally important historical event.”
Entry to Margate’s Big Event will be £2.00 on both Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 June. As well as the display from the Red Arrows and the “Moment of Eternity” commemoration, there will be a full programme of flying on both days. On the ground, visitors can enjoy live music, street performances and entertainers. Tickets are now on sale for Margate’s Big Event at the Margate Visitor Information Centre at 12-13 The Parade, Margate. The event programme goes on sale at the VIC from Friday 11 June and will cost £3.00. The VIC is open from 10am until 5pm seven days a week.
Cllr. Martin Wise, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, said: “Margate’s Big Event is really shaping up to be the best yet, with the news that we’re going to be amongst the first in the country to be able to enjoy this unique commemoration of the Battle of Britain. Of course, the crowds coming to this year’s Big Event will also be the first in the UK to witness this season’s display by the Red Arrows.”
The event will be open from 10am until 10pm on the Saturday and from 10.30am to 6pm on the Sunday. Ticket holders will be able to leave and return to the site as often as they want throughout each day and there is no additional charge for the concert on the Saturday evening for ticketholders.
Visitors to the event with large quantities of alcohol will not be allowed in and only assistance dogs will be allowed into this year’s event, as previous experience has shown that it is not suitable for dogs.
For more information about the Big Event, go to www.thanet.gov.uk/margatesbigevent or call 01843 577577.
YOU COULDN'T MAKE IT UP!
New Broom Environmental Cabinet member at TDC - Cllr. Martin Wise’s first big idea for improvements at Margate Harbour prior to the Turner gallery opening, is not finding a solution to the big stink from the rotting sea weed, or removing the sand bar preventing medium sized boats from mooring or even dealing with the local tomb stoning youths. Our Martin has decided that the way forward is to employ someone to paint the lighthouse on the end of the harbour arm bright red and white!
This could well develop into a full time occupation, as due to it’s position, any paint job would last for less than a year, and by the way, Trinity House suggest it would it be a good idea to change the light bulb, as it has now been unlit for a number of years!
Cllr. John Watkins, Margate Central Ward, Thanet District Council.
1) Proposal is no. 4 of the top environmental action projects in cabinet papers for next TDC cabinet meeting 17th June.
2) Proposal is 'Paint Margate Harbour Lighthouse (colours to be decided) after appropriate consultation with public'.
3) Cllr Wise told a public meeting this week that he estimated the project would cost £10,000 every three years.
4) The lighthouse is in the most exposed and aggressive environment in Thanet - possibly England.
5) The Harbour Arm and Lighthouse are listed buildings.
6) The Harbour Arm and Lighthouse are in Margate Conservations Area.
7) Project would undoubtedly need constant and expensive maintenance.
8) In any event, £10,000 could be better spent on other more serious matters.
9) Informed bulb in lamp on top of lighthouse has not worked for two years.
This could well develop into a full time occupation, as due to it’s position, any paint job would last for less than a year, and by the way, Trinity House suggest it would it be a good idea to change the light bulb, as it has now been unlit for a number of years!
Cllr. John Watkins, Margate Central Ward, Thanet District Council.
1) Proposal is no. 4 of the top environmental action projects in cabinet papers for next TDC cabinet meeting 17th June.
2) Proposal is 'Paint Margate Harbour Lighthouse (colours to be decided) after appropriate consultation with public'.
3) Cllr Wise told a public meeting this week that he estimated the project would cost £10,000 every three years.
4) The lighthouse is in the most exposed and aggressive environment in Thanet - possibly England.
5) The Harbour Arm and Lighthouse are listed buildings.
6) The Harbour Arm and Lighthouse are in Margate Conservations Area.
7) Project would undoubtedly need constant and expensive maintenance.
8) In any event, £10,000 could be better spent on other more serious matters.
9) Informed bulb in lamp on top of lighthouse has not worked for two years.
Thursday, 10 June 2010
PROCESS COMPLAINT
From Cllr Clive Hart - Labour Group Leader at Thanet District Council.
Please find below a statement I have made following the Tuesday 8th June General Purposes Committee meeting at TDC.
I want to make it absolutely clear that ABSOLUTELY NOTHING IN THE STATEMENT refers to the individual appointed as the Shared Services Director whom I know to be an excellent public servant.
All my comments refer to process:
_________________________
Early Wednesday morning (9th June) I wrote to the Thanet District Council Chief Executive Richard Samuel to FORMALLY COMPLAIN about the press release 'SHARED SERVICES DIRECTOR APPOINTED' published by Thanet District Council on Thursday, 03 June 2010 and the organisation of the General Purposes Committee held on Tuesday, 08 June 2010.
Firstly, the press release announcing who was appointed was published a week before the meeting, yet I understand that the Council's Employment Procedure Rules require Director level appointments to be made at member level and that was the whole purpose of Tuesday's GPC meeting.
I also found it somewhat hypocritical for the Chief Executive to selectively quote matters from the report to the GPC in a premature press release and then to attend the GPC meeting proper to argue that councillors should discuss the whole matter on confidential 'pink paper' in closed session and also exclude the press and the public.
In that quote in the premature press release it was also stated that 'the selection process was extremely tough' when in actual fact the job was only advertised internally within the three East Kent authorities with no external competition whatsoever.
Also, in the quote in the premature press release it said the three council leaders unanimously supported the appointment. The three leaders are all Conservative so there was no political balance whatsoever in that decision.
The GPC meeting was arranged for 5pm in the afternoon. That may be a very nice and convenient ending to the working day for council officers but it proves very difficult for many councillors to attend. My group members had to make significant changes to busy working day schedules and I even had to stand in for a member whose work commitments simply did not allow her to attend at such a time.
In short I would say that the 'man in in the street' would consider this whole matter as a previously 'done deal', rubber stamped behind closed doors, arranged for the benefit and comfort of high-level public sector employees only and supported by one political party only - the Conservative's.
Probably worse still, the appointment will be made at a remuneration level 'artificially' raised through the shared services process in East Kent.
This whole fiasco takes place in the week the Conservative Prime Minister tells us public sector workers have been 'insulated' from the harsh realities of the recession while everyone else was paying the price and that they had got 'way out of step' and needed to be brought back into line with the private sector.
In local government in East Kent it appears there is one rule for the workers and another for senior management".
Cllr Clive Hart - Labour Group Leader TDC.
Please find below a statement I have made following the Tuesday 8th June General Purposes Committee meeting at TDC.
I want to make it absolutely clear that ABSOLUTELY NOTHING IN THE STATEMENT refers to the individual appointed as the Shared Services Director whom I know to be an excellent public servant.
All my comments refer to process:
_________________________
Early Wednesday morning (9th June) I wrote to the Thanet District Council Chief Executive Richard Samuel to FORMALLY COMPLAIN about the press release 'SHARED SERVICES DIRECTOR APPOINTED' published by Thanet District Council on Thursday, 03 June 2010 and the organisation of the General Purposes Committee held on Tuesday, 08 June 2010.
Firstly, the press release announcing who was appointed was published a week before the meeting, yet I understand that the Council's Employment Procedure Rules require Director level appointments to be made at member level and that was the whole purpose of Tuesday's GPC meeting.
I also found it somewhat hypocritical for the Chief Executive to selectively quote matters from the report to the GPC in a premature press release and then to attend the GPC meeting proper to argue that councillors should discuss the whole matter on confidential 'pink paper' in closed session and also exclude the press and the public.
In that quote in the premature press release it was also stated that 'the selection process was extremely tough' when in actual fact the job was only advertised internally within the three East Kent authorities with no external competition whatsoever.
Also, in the quote in the premature press release it said the three council leaders unanimously supported the appointment. The three leaders are all Conservative so there was no political balance whatsoever in that decision.
The GPC meeting was arranged for 5pm in the afternoon. That may be a very nice and convenient ending to the working day for council officers but it proves very difficult for many councillors to attend. My group members had to make significant changes to busy working day schedules and I even had to stand in for a member whose work commitments simply did not allow her to attend at such a time.
In short I would say that the 'man in in the street' would consider this whole matter as a previously 'done deal', rubber stamped behind closed doors, arranged for the benefit and comfort of high-level public sector employees only and supported by one political party only - the Conservative's.
Probably worse still, the appointment will be made at a remuneration level 'artificially' raised through the shared services process in East Kent.
This whole fiasco takes place in the week the Conservative Prime Minister tells us public sector workers have been 'insulated' from the harsh realities of the recession while everyone else was paying the price and that they had got 'way out of step' and needed to be brought back into line with the private sector.
In local government in East Kent it appears there is one rule for the workers and another for senior management".
Cllr Clive Hart - Labour Group Leader TDC.
Westgate Pavilion
Thanet District Council is seeking new tenants for the Westgate Pavilion and is inviting those with suitable experience, who are interested in managing the venue, to contact the Property Management Department.
This comes after the Pavilion building was repossessed on Wednesday 9 June following the previous tenant’s failure to comply with lease conditions.
The council is keen to find new tenants for the premises as soon as possible to minimise disruption to the groups who currently use the venue.
The property is being publicly advertised. Each application will be considered upon its individual merits and the new lease will be offered to the applicant that the council considers will provide a secure future for the venue.
The property has been secured temporarily to protect it from potential damage.
Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Regulatory Services and Ramsgate Marina, Councillor Simon Moores, said: “This is a popular landmark community venue that is valued and well used by local people. For this reason we are inviting any interested parties to contact the council, so that the building can be returned to its most appropriate use as soon as possible. In the circumstances, the temporary closure of the building is disappointing and is having an unfortunate impact on the many different community groups who currently use it. I would urge anyone who feels they have the necessary experience to contact the council, so that the building can be re-opened to the public very soon.”
Interested parties are invited to contact the Property Management department to discuss their proposals on 01843 577024 or 577016.
This comes after the Pavilion building was repossessed on Wednesday 9 June following the previous tenant’s failure to comply with lease conditions.
The council is keen to find new tenants for the premises as soon as possible to minimise disruption to the groups who currently use the venue.
The property is being publicly advertised. Each application will be considered upon its individual merits and the new lease will be offered to the applicant that the council considers will provide a secure future for the venue.
The property has been secured temporarily to protect it from potential damage.
Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Regulatory Services and Ramsgate Marina, Councillor Simon Moores, said: “This is a popular landmark community venue that is valued and well used by local people. For this reason we are inviting any interested parties to contact the council, so that the building can be returned to its most appropriate use as soon as possible. In the circumstances, the temporary closure of the building is disappointing and is having an unfortunate impact on the many different community groups who currently use it. I would urge anyone who feels they have the necessary experience to contact the council, so that the building can be re-opened to the public very soon.”
Interested parties are invited to contact the Property Management department to discuss their proposals on 01843 577024 or 577016.
Wednesday, 9 June 2010
Garden development announcement
Thanet District Council will now have new powers to preventinappropriate development on gardens following an announcement from theDepartment for Communities and Local Government today (Wednesday 9June).
To date, planning guidance has classified gardens as ‘previouslydeveloped land’, the same Brownfield category as derelict factoriesand disused railway sidings. The news today will see private gardensremoved from this category and will mean that local authorities willhave more power to refuse planning permission for any development deemedto be inappropriate.
The announcement comes following recently published Government figuresthat showed the proportion of new houses built on previously developedland such as gardens has risen dramatically, from one in ten to one infour between 1997 and 2008.
The reclassification of gardens will not prevent people makingextensions to their homes, but it will give the council the power toreject unsuitable planning applications for entirely new dwellings ongarden land that could ruin the character of the area.
As part of this announcement, the new government has reversed therequirement for new housing to be built at a minimum density of 30dwellings per hectare and it will now be acceptable for the council togive permission for lower density housing development. This meanscouncils will be able to use their discretion and work with the localcommunity to deliver the right mix of affordable homes for the area andin turn provide housing that reflects the local context moreappropriately.
Leader of Thanet District Council, Councillor Bob Bayford said: “Thisis welcome news for us here in Thanet. It is a step that will transformour ability to prevent unwanted development and gives us more power toprotect our valuable green spaces. In recent years the council hassought to encourage developers to reduce the density in new developmentand we have refused a number of planning applications for the demolitionof larger houses to build flats in the gardens. Today’s change in thedefinition of garden land will make it easier for us to prevent suchdevelopment and will give the council more say over the type ofdevelopment that we approve.”
To date, planning guidance has classified gardens as ‘previouslydeveloped land’, the same Brownfield category as derelict factoriesand disused railway sidings. The news today will see private gardensremoved from this category and will mean that local authorities willhave more power to refuse planning permission for any development deemedto be inappropriate.
The announcement comes following recently published Government figuresthat showed the proportion of new houses built on previously developedland such as gardens has risen dramatically, from one in ten to one infour between 1997 and 2008.
The reclassification of gardens will not prevent people makingextensions to their homes, but it will give the council the power toreject unsuitable planning applications for entirely new dwellings ongarden land that could ruin the character of the area.
As part of this announcement, the new government has reversed therequirement for new housing to be built at a minimum density of 30dwellings per hectare and it will now be acceptable for the council togive permission for lower density housing development. This meanscouncils will be able to use their discretion and work with the localcommunity to deliver the right mix of affordable homes for the area andin turn provide housing that reflects the local context moreappropriately.
Leader of Thanet District Council, Councillor Bob Bayford said: “Thisis welcome news for us here in Thanet. It is a step that will transformour ability to prevent unwanted development and gives us more power toprotect our valuable green spaces. In recent years the council hassought to encourage developers to reduce the density in new developmentand we have refused a number of planning applications for the demolitionof larger houses to build flats in the gardens. Today’s change in thedefinition of garden land will make it easier for us to prevent suchdevelopment and will give the council more say over the type ofdevelopment that we approve.”
Tuesday, 8 June 2010
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
03 Jun 2010
A/TH/10/0383
8 BOUNDARY ROAD, RAMSGATE, CT11 7NE
current
03 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0163
38 KING STREET RAMSGATE CT118NT
current
03 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0309
HARBOUR NEWS 15 THE PARADE MARGATE CT91EY
current
03 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0374
36 GROSVENOR PLACE MARGATE CT91UW
current
03 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0384
15 HAROLD AVENUE WESTGATE-ON-SEA CT88QU
current
03 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0410
19 CANTERBURY ROAD, MARGATE, CT9 5AW
current
03 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0423
60 STATION ROAD, BIRCHINGTON, CT7 9RA
current
03 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0424
7 HOLLY LANE MARGATE CT93NA
current
03 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0435
2 & CAFFYNS GARAGE, GRANGE ROAD, RAMSGATE, CT11 9NA
current
03 Jun 2010
L/TH/10/0310
HARBOUR NEWS 15 THE PARADE MARGATE CT91EY
current
03 Jun 2010
L/TH/10/0382
24 ALBION STREET BROADSTAIRS CT101LU
current
03 Jun 2010
A/TH/10/0383
8 BOUNDARY ROAD, RAMSGATE, CT11 7NE
current
03 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0163
38 KING STREET RAMSGATE CT118NT
current
03 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0309
HARBOUR NEWS 15 THE PARADE MARGATE CT91EY
current
03 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0374
36 GROSVENOR PLACE MARGATE CT91UW
current
03 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0384
15 HAROLD AVENUE WESTGATE-ON-SEA CT88QU
current
03 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0410
19 CANTERBURY ROAD, MARGATE, CT9 5AW
current
03 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0423
60 STATION ROAD, BIRCHINGTON, CT7 9RA
current
03 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0424
7 HOLLY LANE MARGATE CT93NA
current
03 Jun 2010
F/TH/10/0435
2 & CAFFYNS GARAGE, GRANGE ROAD, RAMSGATE, CT11 9NA
current
03 Jun 2010
L/TH/10/0310
HARBOUR NEWS 15 THE PARADE MARGATE CT91EY
current
03 Jun 2010
L/TH/10/0382
24 ALBION STREET BROADSTAIRS CT101LU
current
New documents published by Thanet District Council,
09/06/2010 - Meeting scheduled: Jun 9 2010 10:00AM, East Kent Joint Arrangements Committee
08/06/2010 - Meeting scheduled: Jun 8 2010 5:00PM, General Purposes Committee
07/06/2010 - Issue Published: Exemption from mooring charges - charitable events
07/06/2010 - Agenda published: Meeting of Jun 17 2010 10:30AM, Constitutional Review Working Party
07/06/2010 - Agenda published: Meeting of Jun 17 2010 7:00PM, Cabinet
07/06/2010 - Agenda published: Meeting of Jun 16 2010 7:00PM, Planning Committee
07/06/2010 - Agenda published: Meeting of Jun 15 2010 7:00PM, Overview and Scrutiny Panel
07/06/2010 - Decision Published: Exemption from mooring charges - charitable events; Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services
03/06/2010 - Agenda supplement published - Appointment of Shared Services Director : Appointment of Shared Services Director: Meeting of Jun 8 2010 5:00PM, General Purposes Committee
28/05/2010 - Agenda published: Meeting of Jun 8 2010 5:00PM, General Purposes Committee
08/06/2010 - Meeting scheduled: Jun 8 2010 5:00PM, General Purposes Committee
07/06/2010 - Issue Published: Exemption from mooring charges - charitable events
07/06/2010 - Agenda published: Meeting of Jun 17 2010 10:30AM, Constitutional Review Working Party
07/06/2010 - Agenda published: Meeting of Jun 17 2010 7:00PM, Cabinet
07/06/2010 - Agenda published: Meeting of Jun 16 2010 7:00PM, Planning Committee
07/06/2010 - Agenda published: Meeting of Jun 15 2010 7:00PM, Overview and Scrutiny Panel
07/06/2010 - Decision Published: Exemption from mooring charges - charitable events; Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services
03/06/2010 - Agenda supplement published - Appointment of Shared Services Director : Appointment of Shared Services Director: Meeting of Jun 8 2010 5:00PM, General Purposes Committee
28/05/2010 - Agenda published: Meeting of Jun 8 2010 5:00PM, General Purposes Committee
Friday, 4 June 2010
COMPOST WEEK WINNER
A Birchington woman has won a home composting bin, as part of a competition to promote composting to residents in Thanet.
The council run competition was part of the Compost Awareness Campaign, which aimed to encourage local people to take up composting, to help the environment.
Jean Burton was presented with her prize, after entering a competition at a roadshow last month (May) at Westwood Cross, organised by the council's waste and recycling team.
If you would like more information on composting at home, you can visit www.recyclenow.com/compost where you can find lots of tips on how to get the best from your bin.
You can purchase a compost bin from as little as £14, which will not only help your environment, but will also save you money on buying compost for your garden. To take advantage of special offers on composting equipment, please visit www.thanet.getcomposting.com or call 0844 571 4444.
The council run competition was part of the Compost Awareness Campaign, which aimed to encourage local people to take up composting, to help the environment.
Jean Burton was presented with her prize, after entering a competition at a roadshow last month (May) at Westwood Cross, organised by the council's waste and recycling team.
If you would like more information on composting at home, you can visit www.recyclenow.com/compost where you can find lots of tips on how to get the best from your bin.
You can purchase a compost bin from as little as £14, which will not only help your environment, but will also save you money on buying compost for your garden. To take advantage of special offers on composting equipment, please visit www.thanet.getcomposting.com or call 0844 571 4444.
TICKETS GO ON SALE FOR MARGATE’S BIG EVENT
Tickets are now on sale for this year's Margate's Big Event, which will feature the first display of the season from the world famous Red Arrows.
Tickets, which cost £2.00 for each day on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 June, are available from the Margate Visitor Information Centre, at 12-13 The Parade, Margate. It is open every day from 10am to 5pm. Children under the age of five will be admitted to the event free of charge.
This year's line-up also includes a special tribute to the Battle of Britain, 70 years after it took place in the skies above Kent. Historic Spitfires will battle again with German planes in a specially choreographed display. Alongside this is a full programme of flying on both days, complimented by entertainment on the ground, including live music, street performances and entertainers.
The concert on the Saturday night, which will be at no additional cost to ticketholders on the day, will feature the Magic of the Beatles, with the evening rounded off by a firework display.
Margate's Big Event takes place over the Father's Day weekend and there's a unique treat available for all dads. You can book a special VIP package for £32.00 for adults and £10.00 for children under the age of 12, which includes a four course lunch, welcome drink and canapés on arrival, access to a marquee with special viewing area and traditional afternoon tea. The price also includes VIP free parking and free entry to the event. Children under the age of three are free.
Cllr. Martin Wise, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, said: "Margate's Big Event is hugely popular with both local people and visitors to the area. As always, we have a superb line-up of events taking place throughout both days, which makes the ticket price of just £2.00 exceptionally attractive. It's a small price to pay for the opportunity to see the first display of 2010 from the Red Arrows in the UK and to enjoy the special commemoration of the Battle of Britain. Our Father's Day packages also proved to be exceptionally popular in 2009, so if you're interested in one as a special present, it's important to book now to avoid disappointment."
Margate's Big Event will be open from 10am until 10pm on Saturday and from 10.30am to 6pm on Sunday. Visitors to the event with large quantities of alcohol will not be allowed in and only assistance dogs will be allowed into this year's event, as previous experience has shown that it is not suitable for dogs.
For more information about Margate's Big Event, visit www.thanet.gov.uk/margatesbigevent
Tickets, which cost £2.00 for each day on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 June, are available from the Margate Visitor Information Centre, at 12-13 The Parade, Margate. It is open every day from 10am to 5pm. Children under the age of five will be admitted to the event free of charge.
This year's line-up also includes a special tribute to the Battle of Britain, 70 years after it took place in the skies above Kent. Historic Spitfires will battle again with German planes in a specially choreographed display. Alongside this is a full programme of flying on both days, complimented by entertainment on the ground, including live music, street performances and entertainers.
The concert on the Saturday night, which will be at no additional cost to ticketholders on the day, will feature the Magic of the Beatles, with the evening rounded off by a firework display.
Margate's Big Event takes place over the Father's Day weekend and there's a unique treat available for all dads. You can book a special VIP package for £32.00 for adults and £10.00 for children under the age of 12, which includes a four course lunch, welcome drink and canapés on arrival, access to a marquee with special viewing area and traditional afternoon tea. The price also includes VIP free parking and free entry to the event. Children under the age of three are free.
Cllr. Martin Wise, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, said: "Margate's Big Event is hugely popular with both local people and visitors to the area. As always, we have a superb line-up of events taking place throughout both days, which makes the ticket price of just £2.00 exceptionally attractive. It's a small price to pay for the opportunity to see the first display of 2010 from the Red Arrows in the UK and to enjoy the special commemoration of the Battle of Britain. Our Father's Day packages also proved to be exceptionally popular in 2009, so if you're interested in one as a special present, it's important to book now to avoid disappointment."
Margate's Big Event will be open from 10am until 10pm on Saturday and from 10.30am to 6pm on Sunday. Visitors to the event with large quantities of alcohol will not be allowed in and only assistance dogs will be allowed into this year's event, as previous experience has shown that it is not suitable for dogs.
For more information about Margate's Big Event, visit www.thanet.gov.uk/margatesbigevent
FINE FOR RAMSGATE TAXI DRIVER
A Ramsgate taxi driver has been fined £400, after pleading guilty to leaving his vehicle unattended and plying for hire without a licence.
A taxi belonging to Bahattin Demir (46) from Bellevue Road was seen parked up and unattended on the taxi rank in King Street, Ramsgate in March 2010 by one of the council's Licensing Officers. He was issued with a verbal warning.
The vehicle then underwent its annual inspection, as part of the re-licensing process. It failed the inspection because of a broken window and issues with cleanliness. As a result, the licence for the vehicle expired on 31 March 2010. The vehicle was not presented for any further inspection and no renewal documents were presented by Mr. Demir.
On 12 April 2010, the same licensing officer saw the vehicle, once again parked and unattended on the taxi rank in Ramsgate High Street. It was displaying its "taxi" sign and had a taxi plate on the rear of the vehicle. When Mr. Demir returned to the vehicle, he was advised that he would be reported for the offence and he drove off.
He was fined £50 for the first offence of leaving his vehicle unattended and then was fined a further £350 for using the vehicle when it was not licensed as a Hackney Carriage.
Cllr. Simon Moores, Cabinet Member for Customer Services and Regulatory Services, said: "Using an unlicensed vehicle is not something that the council is prepared to turn a blind eye to. In this case, there were problems with the vehicle's cleanliness and its road worthiness, which is why the licence was not renewed. When people take a taxi in Thanet, they need to know that they're going to be safe and that's why we have rules like this in place."
A taxi belonging to Bahattin Demir (46) from Bellevue Road was seen parked up and unattended on the taxi rank in King Street, Ramsgate in March 2010 by one of the council's Licensing Officers. He was issued with a verbal warning.
The vehicle then underwent its annual inspection, as part of the re-licensing process. It failed the inspection because of a broken window and issues with cleanliness. As a result, the licence for the vehicle expired on 31 March 2010. The vehicle was not presented for any further inspection and no renewal documents were presented by Mr. Demir.
On 12 April 2010, the same licensing officer saw the vehicle, once again parked and unattended on the taxi rank in Ramsgate High Street. It was displaying its "taxi" sign and had a taxi plate on the rear of the vehicle. When Mr. Demir returned to the vehicle, he was advised that he would be reported for the offence and he drove off.
He was fined £50 for the first offence of leaving his vehicle unattended and then was fined a further £350 for using the vehicle when it was not licensed as a Hackney Carriage.
Cllr. Simon Moores, Cabinet Member for Customer Services and Regulatory Services, said: "Using an unlicensed vehicle is not something that the council is prepared to turn a blind eye to. In this case, there were problems with the vehicle's cleanliness and its road worthiness, which is why the licence was not renewed. When people take a taxi in Thanet, they need to know that they're going to be safe and that's why we have rules like this in place."
Thursday, 3 June 2010
SHARED SERVICES DIRECTOR APPOINTED
Proposals to share services between three councils in East Kent have taken a major step forward, with the appointment of a Shared Services Director.
Donna Reed, currently the Director of Customer Services and Business Transformation at Thanet District Council, was chosen for the role unanimously by the Leaders and Chief Executives of Canterbury, Dover and Thanet councils. The decision followed a rigorous and intensive interview process.
Donna has worked at Thanet for seven years, initially as Head of the newly formed Customer Service department and more recently as Director of Customer Services and Business Transformation. Previously, Donna has also had senior roles at CIPFA and Kent County Council, where she was their Head of Sales and Marketing in the Commercial Services Directorate.
Chief Executive Richard Samuel said: "The selection process was extremely tough, as you would expect for such an important role, and all three Leaders and Chief Executives were unanimous in their choice. We have no doubt Donna will do a superb job in taking forward shared services across East Kent and, on behalf of the three councils, we all wish Donna every success in her new role."
Donna said: "I'm delighted to be heading up this ground breaking project. It's a really exciting challenge, bringing together the services of three councils and ensuring that we deliver both value for money and the best possible service to residents. I'm looking forward to working with both old and new faces over the coming months and making shared services in East Kent a real success."
The shared services project, which is set to generate savings of up £3.5 million for the three councils over the next four years, will see a number of different areas being merged. The first services expected to be shared are revenues and benefits, IT, building control and customer services.
Before any service enters the project, a business case will need to be prepared and agreed that shows at least a 10% saving in the first two years and the level of service that customers would get. The decision on which services progress forward will be made by each council.
Donna is expected to start her new role in July and will be based in Canterbury.
Donna Reed, currently the Director of Customer Services and Business Transformation at Thanet District Council, was chosen for the role unanimously by the Leaders and Chief Executives of Canterbury, Dover and Thanet councils. The decision followed a rigorous and intensive interview process.
Donna has worked at Thanet for seven years, initially as Head of the newly formed Customer Service department and more recently as Director of Customer Services and Business Transformation. Previously, Donna has also had senior roles at CIPFA and Kent County Council, where she was their Head of Sales and Marketing in the Commercial Services Directorate.
Chief Executive Richard Samuel said: "The selection process was extremely tough, as you would expect for such an important role, and all three Leaders and Chief Executives were unanimous in their choice. We have no doubt Donna will do a superb job in taking forward shared services across East Kent and, on behalf of the three councils, we all wish Donna every success in her new role."
Donna said: "I'm delighted to be heading up this ground breaking project. It's a really exciting challenge, bringing together the services of three councils and ensuring that we deliver both value for money and the best possible service to residents. I'm looking forward to working with both old and new faces over the coming months and making shared services in East Kent a real success."
The shared services project, which is set to generate savings of up £3.5 million for the three councils over the next four years, will see a number of different areas being merged. The first services expected to be shared are revenues and benefits, IT, building control and customer services.
Before any service enters the project, a business case will need to be prepared and agreed that shows at least a 10% saving in the first two years and the level of service that customers would get. The decision on which services progress forward will be made by each council.
Donna is expected to start her new role in July and will be based in Canterbury.
MINI CLEAN SWEEP RESULTS IN CLIFTONVILLE
The latest Operation Mini Clean Sweep in Cliftonville has seen two lorry loads of rubbish cleared, around 30 children discovered who were not in attendance at school and major issues of overcrowding in one property.
The one-day council led operation included officers from the council's planning, housing, waste and recycling teams, along with the council's community wardens. They were joined by Kent Fire and Rescue, Kent Police, the UK Border Agency and Education Welfare Officers, with help from volunteers at Pipeline.
Truancy sweeps discovered around 30 school age children who were not in attendance at school, with further action being considered against their parents. A total of two lorry loads of rubbish were also cleared from an alleyway by Pipeline.
A number of properties were visited during the sweep, with four unsupervised children found alone in a flat, who were handed over to social services.
Severe overcrowding was found in a two-bedroom flat, which was being used to house a total of nine people.
The council's housing team and Kent Fire and Rescue Service discovered three properties with fire alarms that were not working, while two further properties had no fire alarm at all. Other offences under the Housing and Criminal Acts are under further investigation.
Cllr. Chris Wells, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: "This proved to be another hugely successful Operation Mini Clean Sweep, identifying a range of issues that need tackling. Our officers will be working closely with our partners to ensure that happens. It's clear that these operations are needed, as they keep uncovering problems in Cliftonville, so we'll ensure that they continue throughout the year."
The one-day council led operation included officers from the council's planning, housing, waste and recycling teams, along with the council's community wardens. They were joined by Kent Fire and Rescue, Kent Police, the UK Border Agency and Education Welfare Officers, with help from volunteers at Pipeline.
Truancy sweeps discovered around 30 school age children who were not in attendance at school, with further action being considered against their parents. A total of two lorry loads of rubbish were also cleared from an alleyway by Pipeline.
A number of properties were visited during the sweep, with four unsupervised children found alone in a flat, who were handed over to social services.
Severe overcrowding was found in a two-bedroom flat, which was being used to house a total of nine people.
The council's housing team and Kent Fire and Rescue Service discovered three properties with fire alarms that were not working, while two further properties had no fire alarm at all. Other offences under the Housing and Criminal Acts are under further investigation.
Cllr. Chris Wells, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: "This proved to be another hugely successful Operation Mini Clean Sweep, identifying a range of issues that need tackling. Our officers will be working closely with our partners to ensure that happens. It's clear that these operations are needed, as they keep uncovering problems in Cliftonville, so we'll ensure that they continue throughout the year."
VISITOR INFORMATION OUT ON THE ROAD THIS SUMMER
Thanet's Visitor Information Centre staff are once again taking to the road this summer to promote the area to visitors.
The mobile Visitor Information Centre, which is based in a marquee, was first launched in summer 2009. During the course of the season, the council's VIC team attended 21 days of events around Thanet, welcoming 4,862 visitors to the mobile VIC.
This approach enables the team to head out to major events across the area, ensuring that they can meet face to face with visitors to Thanet to tell them all about what the area has to offer. They were also able to raise awareness of what the Visitor Information Centre service could offer to both visitors and residents.
The team carried out surveys during the summer to see what people thought of the new service, with 93% saying that they thought the marquee, range of information and customer service were very good or excellent. More than half of those who filled in questionnaires scored the service as excellent. It also gave the team details of an additional 190 visitors, who wanted to be kept up to date with events and information about Thanet.
Some of the events that the mobile Visitor Information Centre will be attending during 2010 are:
· Margate's Big Event - Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 June
· Quexpo - Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 July
· Sound Island Music Festival - Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 July
· 1940's War Weekend - Government Acre - Saturday 31 July and Sunday 1 August
· Folk Week - Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 August
· Monster Bass - Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 August
· Sports Summer Slam - Tuesday 24 August
· Birchington Summer Event - Saturday 28, Sunday 29 and Monday 30 August
· Food Festival - Saturday 2 October and Sunday 3 October
Cllr. Martin Wise, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, said: "We have so much to showcase here in Thanet to the visitors that come to our area. Many of those come to the great line-up of events throughout the summer and that's why our VIC team are getting out and about to those events to promote the area. Last year, they had an overwhelmingly positive response from everyone they talked to. As the season wore on, they ended up going out to more events than they had originally planned, such was the demand for the service. Many people commented that it was an excellent way to get information about the area."
The mobile Visitor Information Centre, which is based in a marquee, was first launched in summer 2009. During the course of the season, the council's VIC team attended 21 days of events around Thanet, welcoming 4,862 visitors to the mobile VIC.
This approach enables the team to head out to major events across the area, ensuring that they can meet face to face with visitors to Thanet to tell them all about what the area has to offer. They were also able to raise awareness of what the Visitor Information Centre service could offer to both visitors and residents.
The team carried out surveys during the summer to see what people thought of the new service, with 93% saying that they thought the marquee, range of information and customer service were very good or excellent. More than half of those who filled in questionnaires scored the service as excellent. It also gave the team details of an additional 190 visitors, who wanted to be kept up to date with events and information about Thanet.
Some of the events that the mobile Visitor Information Centre will be attending during 2010 are:
· Margate's Big Event - Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 June
· Quexpo - Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 July
· Sound Island Music Festival - Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 July
· 1940's War Weekend - Government Acre - Saturday 31 July and Sunday 1 August
· Folk Week - Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 August
· Monster Bass - Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 August
· Sports Summer Slam - Tuesday 24 August
· Birchington Summer Event - Saturday 28, Sunday 29 and Monday 30 August
· Food Festival - Saturday 2 October and Sunday 3 October
Cllr. Martin Wise, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, said: "We have so much to showcase here in Thanet to the visitors that come to our area. Many of those come to the great line-up of events throughout the summer and that's why our VIC team are getting out and about to those events to promote the area. Last year, they had an overwhelmingly positive response from everyone they talked to. As the season wore on, they ended up going out to more events than they had originally planned, such was the demand for the service. Many people commented that it was an excellent way to get information about the area."
Wednesday, 2 June 2010
New documents published by Thanet District Council,
28/05/2010 - Agenda published: Meeting of Jun 8 2010 5:00PM, General Purposes Committee
27/05/2010 - Minutes published: Meeting of May 13 2010 8:00PM, Council
27/05/2010 - Minutes published: Meeting of May 13 2010 7:00PM, Council
26/05/2010 - Minutes published: Meeting of May 19 2010 10:00AM, East Kent Joint Arrangements Committee
26/05/2010 - Minutes published: Meeting of May 11 2010 7:00PM, Overview and Scrutiny Panel
26/05/2010 - Minutes published: Meeting of May 20 2010 2:00PM, Cabinet
26/05/2010 - Minutes published: Meeting of May 20 2010 3:05PM, Cabinet
25/05/2010 - Minutes published: Meeting of May 19 2010 7:00PM, Planning Committee
24/05/2010 - Issue Published: Loan to East Kent Opportunities
24/05/2010 - Minutes published: Meeting of Apr 27 2010 4:00PM, Asset Management Working Group
24/05/2010 - Minutes published: Meeting of May 18 2010 10:00AM, Licensing Board
24/05/2010 - Decision Published: Loan to East Kent Opportunities; Leader of the Council
27/05/2010 - Minutes published: Meeting of May 13 2010 8:00PM, Council
27/05/2010 - Minutes published: Meeting of May 13 2010 7:00PM, Council
26/05/2010 - Minutes published: Meeting of May 19 2010 10:00AM, East Kent Joint Arrangements Committee
26/05/2010 - Minutes published: Meeting of May 11 2010 7:00PM, Overview and Scrutiny Panel
26/05/2010 - Minutes published: Meeting of May 20 2010 2:00PM, Cabinet
26/05/2010 - Minutes published: Meeting of May 20 2010 3:05PM, Cabinet
25/05/2010 - Minutes published: Meeting of May 19 2010 7:00PM, Planning Committee
24/05/2010 - Issue Published: Loan to East Kent Opportunities
24/05/2010 - Minutes published: Meeting of Apr 27 2010 4:00PM, Asset Management Working Group
24/05/2010 - Minutes published: Meeting of May 18 2010 10:00AM, Licensing Board
24/05/2010 - Decision Published: Loan to East Kent Opportunities; Leader of the Council
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
28 May 2010
F/TH/10/0418
BIRTHDAYS 39 HIGH STREET RAMSGATE CT119AG
current
28 May 2010
A/TH/10/0411
3 THE LINK, MARGATE ROAD, BROADSTAIRS
current
28 May 2010
A/TH/10/0419
39 HIGH STREET RAMSGATE CT119AG
current
28 May 2010
F/TH/10/0397
LAND ADJ 18B LEOPOLD ROAD, RAMSGATE, CT11 7JW
current
28 May 2010
F/TH/10/0412
7 WESTERN ROAD MARGATE CT93QP
current
28 May 2010
F/TH/10/0416
17-19 STATION ROAD, WESTGATE ON SEA, CT8 8RB
current
28 May 2010
F/TH/10/0417
WENDYCOT CANTERBURY ROAD ST. NICHOLAS AT WADE BIRCHINGTON CT70PG
current
28 May 2010
F/TH/10/0420
12 QUEEN STREET, RAMSGATE, CT11 9DR
current
28 May 2010
F/TH/10/0422
6-8 CLIFF STREET, RAM SGATE , CT11 9HS
current
25 May 2010
F/TH/10/0242
ST MILDREDS COURT, BEACH ROAD, WESTGATE ON SEA, CT8 8AE
current
25 May 2010
F/TH/10/0338
183 NORTHDOWN ROAD MARGATE CT9 2PA
current
25 May 2010
F/TH/10/0377
HIGH STREET ST LAWRENCE RAMSGATE KENT CT11 0QG
current
25 May 2010
F/TH/10/0379
5 COLLARDS CLOSE MONKTON RAMSGATE CT124JU
current
25 May 2010
F/TH/10/0381
LAND ADJ 32 LILLIAN ROAD RAMSGATE CT117DT
current
25 May 2010
F/TH/10/0386
3 TRINITY SQUARE BROADSTAIRS CT103BA
current
25 May 2010
F/TH/10/0398
18-21 MARINE TERRACE MARGATE CT9 1XJ
current
25 May 2010
F/TH/10/0399
24 CHAPMAN FIELDS RAMSGATE CT125LB
current
25 May 2010
F/TH/10/0401
2 MARKET PLACE MARGATE CT91ER
current
25 May 2010
F/TH/10/0402
110 WESTBROOK AVENUE MARGATE CT95HG
current
25 May 2010
F/TH/10/0403
LAURA ASHLEY UNIT 5, BROADSTAIRS RETAIL PARK MARGATE ROAD BROADSTAIRS CT102QW
current
25 May 2010
M/TH/10/0348
LAND AT MINSTER STREAM ADJACENT RICHBOROUGH POWER STATION SANDWICH ROAD RAMSGATE
decided
28 May 2010
F/TH/10/0418
BIRTHDAYS 39 HIGH STREET RAMSGATE CT119AG
current
28 May 2010
A/TH/10/0411
3 THE LINK, MARGATE ROAD, BROADSTAIRS
current
28 May 2010
A/TH/10/0419
39 HIGH STREET RAMSGATE CT119AG
current
28 May 2010
F/TH/10/0397
LAND ADJ 18B LEOPOLD ROAD, RAMSGATE, CT11 7JW
current
28 May 2010
F/TH/10/0412
7 WESTERN ROAD MARGATE CT93QP
current
28 May 2010
F/TH/10/0416
17-19 STATION ROAD, WESTGATE ON SEA, CT8 8RB
current
28 May 2010
F/TH/10/0417
WENDYCOT CANTERBURY ROAD ST. NICHOLAS AT WADE BIRCHINGTON CT70PG
current
28 May 2010
F/TH/10/0420
12 QUEEN STREET, RAMSGATE, CT11 9DR
current
28 May 2010
F/TH/10/0422
6-8 CLIFF STREET, RAM SGATE , CT11 9HS
current
25 May 2010
F/TH/10/0242
ST MILDREDS COURT, BEACH ROAD, WESTGATE ON SEA, CT8 8AE
current
25 May 2010
F/TH/10/0338
183 NORTHDOWN ROAD MARGATE CT9 2PA
current
25 May 2010
F/TH/10/0377
HIGH STREET ST LAWRENCE RAMSGATE KENT CT11 0QG
current
25 May 2010
F/TH/10/0379
5 COLLARDS CLOSE MONKTON RAMSGATE CT124JU
current
25 May 2010
F/TH/10/0381
LAND ADJ 32 LILLIAN ROAD RAMSGATE CT117DT
current
25 May 2010
F/TH/10/0386
3 TRINITY SQUARE BROADSTAIRS CT103BA
current
25 May 2010
F/TH/10/0398
18-21 MARINE TERRACE MARGATE CT9 1XJ
current
25 May 2010
F/TH/10/0399
24 CHAPMAN FIELDS RAMSGATE CT125LB
current
25 May 2010
F/TH/10/0401
2 MARKET PLACE MARGATE CT91ER
current
25 May 2010
F/TH/10/0402
110 WESTBROOK AVENUE MARGATE CT95HG
current
25 May 2010
F/TH/10/0403
LAURA ASHLEY UNIT 5, BROADSTAIRS RETAIL PARK MARGATE ROAD BROADSTAIRS CT102QW
current
25 May 2010
M/TH/10/0348
LAND AT MINSTER STREAM ADJACENT RICHBOROUGH POWER STATION SANDWICH ROAD RAMSGATE
decided
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