Thursday 27 December 2012

THANET IN TRANSITION SWAP SHOP


Thanet Swap Shop
There will be another free afternoon Swap Shop on Saturday 12th January at 60 High Street in Margate (opp KFC). Everyone is invited to come along with anything they want to swap.
Thanet in Transition, who are working towards a better future for us all, have organised the event and they will even serve up free tea and biscuits to all who attend.
Open from 2pm-4pm you are invited to take along toys, clothes, books and anything from the house and garden that you want to swap with the things that other people bring.
"We will all have some unwanted gifts after Christmas" said Rox Tesla, from The Streets Ahead Margate hub, who are donating the shop space. "And this is a good chance to trade for something more useful".
Thanet in Transition member Charlotte Wilson added "If we can find a good home for any unwanted items then nothing gets thrown away and wasted. All we ask is that you bring your own shopping bags".
Thanet in Transition is planning more events so that that people can get together to make it cheaper to live here, keep the money in Thanet and adapt to the changing climate - while having fun. If you would like to offer a central venue in Ramsgate or Broadstairs, for an event that brings in the community, please email transition@new2margate.com or call Sue on 07855 257 776.
Thanet in Transition is part of a global Transition Movement that creates community-led activities to help achieve a 'soft-landing' to a real and sustainable future.

Monday 24 December 2012

New planning applications,

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 


Date Published*Application No.AddressStatus
21 Dec 2012OL/TH/12/0969SPELDHURST MARLBOROUGH ROAD RAMSGATE CT119BUcurrent
20 Dec 2012F/TH/12/0980LAND ADJOINING GRANVILLE MARINA MARINA ESPLANADE RAMSGATE unknown
19 Dec 2012F/TH/12/098277 - 79 NORTHDOWN ROAD, MARGATE, CT9 2RJcurrent
18 Dec 2012F/TH/12/093818 ALBION ROAD BROADSTAIRS CT102UPcurrent
18 Dec 2012A/TH/12/095731 KING STREET, RAMSGATE, CT11 8NP current
18 Dec 2012F/TH/12/089526 WESTGATE BAY AVENUE, WESTGATE ON SEA, CT8 8TA current
18 Dec 2012F/TH/12/093152 WEST CLIFF ROAD, BROADSTAIRS, CT10 1PU current
18 Dec 2012F/TH/12/0942NORTHDOWN C P SCHOOL, TENTERDEN WAY, MARGATE, CT9 3RE current
18 Dec 2012F/TH/12/09444 DARYNGTON AVENUE, BIRCHINGTON, CT7 9PS current
18 Dec 2012F/TH/12/095515 STANCOMB AVENUE, RAMSGATE, CT11 0EX current
18 Dec 2012F/TH/12/0958ALDI STORE LTD, ZION PLACE, MARGATE, CT9 1RP current
18 Dec 2012F/TH/12/0964LAND NORTH OF HAINE ROAD BROADSTAIRS AND WEST OF NASH ROAD, MARGATE current
18 Dec 2012F/TH/12/0981130 KING STREET, RAMSGATE current
17 Dec 2012F/TH/12/093718A ALBION ROAD, BROADSTAIRS, CT10 2UPcurrent
17 Dec 2012F/TH/12/096669 PRINCE CHARLES ROAD, BROADSTAIRS, CT10 3HHcurrent
17 Dec 2012F/TH/12/0967OSTERIA POSILLIPO, 14 ALBION STREET, BROADSTAIRS,current
14 Dec 2012L/TH/12/096814 ALBION STREET, BROADSTAIRS, CT10 1LUcurrent
* This date is when Thanet District Council first published this case file.

New documents published by Thanet District Council,

Thanet District Council licensing applications,

Name of Applicant / Club Address of Premises / Club Nature of application. New or variation Proposed licensable activities / or proposed variation Date by which representations may be made
(no less than 28 days after date received)
Sebastian Kingsley Newington Post Office, 85 Newington Road, Ramsgate CT12 6PP New premises licence application Supply of alcohol 20 December 2012
AKSSR Ltd Costcutter, 41-43 Northdown Road, Margate CT9 2RN New premises licence application Supply of alcohol 26 December 2012
Genting Casinos UK Limited Zion Place, Margate CT9 1RP Variation to premises licence Increase in hours for supply of alcohol 27 December 2012
Anthony Wait Vera's Kitchen, 11 Broad Street, Margate CT9 1EW New premises licence application Supply of alcohol and regulated entertainment 16 January 2013
Alan Dolan West Bay Cafe, Sea Road, Westgate on Sea, CT8 8QA New premises licence application Supply of alcohol and regulated entertainment 17 January 2012

Sunday 23 December 2012

Thanet Independent Leader's Statement about Letters


Due to the press releases recently made by both the Leader of Thanet District Council and Cllr Ian Driver, including the publication of a letter by Cllr Driver , that was originally sent to his independent colleagues, I feel it is in the public interest to publish the following letter sent to Cllr Driver prior to the  retraction of his  statement calling for the Chairman of Thanet District Council to resign.

Dear Ian ,
We are most unhappy, uncomfortable and concerned with your presentations at the Full Council Meeting of TDC 6th December 2012.
We feel that the almost monotonous recurrence of various provocative events, that you engineer, are harmful to our group and personal reputations as well as the stability of our Council in which we play vital roles and owe our loyalty to ensure that normal business is able to continue . Anything less becomes irresponsible.
Earlier in our association, we agreed that any controversial policy statements would be the subject of discussion amongst all three of us prior to any action or publication.
Unfortunately you have not honoured our agreement.
Naturally, this is an unacceptable practice and should it reoccur, you will automatically eliminate yourself from our group.
With best wishes,
We remain,
Sincerely,
Jack Cohen and John Worrow.

Friday 21 December 2012

Update on Ramsgate Royal Sands Development

Negotiations between Thanet District Council and the developer of Ramsgate Royal Sands are still underway.

That’s the latest news following a meeting held this week (Tuesday 18 December) at Thanet District Council.

The council will only sign a new agreement with the developer once it has absolute assurances that adequate finances and a hotel operator are in place. Negotiations are set to continue.

In the mean-time an existing agreement, signed in 2009, is in place should negotiations fail to reach a conclusion.

PUTTING THANET ON THE INTERNATIONAL MAP FOR YOUTH SPORT

Hot on the heels of the UK’s fantastic Olympic sporting legacy Thanet District Council (TDC) has helped to maintain international interest through a lead role in facilitating the European Youth and Sport Forum 2012.
The forum, in Larnaca, Cyprus was funded by the International Sport and Culture Association to encourage greater popular interest in healthy living, physical activity and sport. James Gregory, Sport and Leisure Officer for TDC was one of three Health facilitators (the others from Germany and Slovenia) who made up the team of European coordinators organising the event which involved over 80 young leaders in sports, from 28 different countries.
 Amongst the many positive outcomes were proposals to improve the operating capacity of existing sport or physical activity facilities in schools and in urban green spaces with cycle and running paths. New sport programmes will also be created, to educate and to promote sport to all.
James Gregory, said: “It really was very exciting and inspiring to represent Thanet on a major international project and to play such an integral part in this kind of important declaration. It will encourage the Office of the European Union and the Council of Europe to recognise the importance of sport, health, well-being and physical activity in everyday life. The workshops and other activities raised awareness of the current climate in these fields and the barriers that often seem to prevent us from becoming healthier, volunteering more and being active citizens.”
In fact James’ role was even more significant - as the only native English speaker on the editorial team reporting the recommendations of the Forum to the European authorities and national policy makers!
Cabinet member for community Services, Cllr Iris Johnston said: “Thanet District Council was represented very effectively. This is a great opportunity for the Council to show that we are dedicated, motivated and enthusiastic in keeping Thanet healthy (mentally and physically) and consistently active in sport. Everyone here is very proud of James and all that he and the Sport Matters team do.
“There are so many different choices available to remain fit and healthy now, and that’s down to the hard work and dedication of the Sport Matters team. Thanks to James’ efforts Thanet is able to align with European and national policies. - If there is excellent work going on elsewhere in Europe, then let's learn from it and replicate it here in Thanet for the benefit of our residents and their quality of life!”
The Forum will be monitoring progress at policy level, looking for positive shifts in policies towards improved strategies in the health and sporting fields, together with any resultant  reduction in youth unemployment – so now’s the time to start flexing your muscles if you feel you can help!.
If you would like to know more, or to find out how to get involved in sport in your area, please email sport@thanet.gov.uk or visit www.thanet.gov.uk/sport. You can also tweet us on #EYSF2012 to let us know your thoughts and feelings on sport.

OFFICE CLOSURE - CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR




Please note that we shall be closed for Christmas:

3.00 p.m. - Friday 21 December

TO

10.00 a.m. - Wednesday 2 January, 2013

If you could, please, keep emails to a minimum we should be particularly grateful!

We shall be checking the post and all emails daily for anything urgent during the festive period, and
the office phone will be diverted to my mobile if you need us.

My mobile is 07774 841557.  Roger's pager is 07623 978479 (wait for an operator to answer you).

Have a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

With best wishes from us all in the office - and Roger!

SUZY

Margate masterchef to support Food for Christmas campaign to feed the needy of Thanet.

MARGATE masterchef Dev Biswal has pledged to support
 Food for Christmas campaign to feed the needy of
Thanet.

The man behind award-winning Indian restaurant The
Ambrette has offered to supply food and cook for those going
hungry at the Cliftonville Community Centre.
Mr Biswal , who has featured regularly in the Michelin food
guides will provide cooked meals at the centre and supply
ingredients for the kitchen.

 I' ll be glad to help and do whatever we can to put
something back into the community."
The centre needs more donations to provide food parcels to get
the campaign under-nourished rough-sleepers and low-income families
through Christmas. 

Tinned food , rice and pasta are among the ideal donations
to provide square meals to get hungry homeless people over
the winter months.

Lunch

Volunteers from the centre and St Paul ' s Church will serve
lunch as part of its annual Open Christmas for the most
vulnerable who can be forgotten during the holidays.
A festive meal and food parcels will be provided and we
hope you can spare a few tins or packets of food this Christmas.
With few places in sheltered accommodation and many
priced out of the private sector , the isle' s homeless sleep on
sofas or in inhospitable squats with no water or heating.

The Cliftonville Community Centre provides a lifeline with
free hot showers. , meals and laundry facilities for those in
need.

To find out more or make a donation , pop into the centre in
St Paul' s Road off Edgar Road, call 07716 887378 or bring your
food donation to our offices at 3rd floor , Mill Lane House , Mill
Lane , Margate.


The Ambrette, 44 King Street, Margate Old Town, Kent CT9 1QE

T: 01843 231504  E: info@theambrette.co.uk W: www.theambrette.co.uk

Thursday 20 December 2012

STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO Cllr IAN DRIVER


I want to make it very clear that Cllr Driver is ABSOLUTELY WRONG in his assumption that I/we have in any way tried to have his group remove him as the Chair of Scrutiny.

Indeed, understanding the recent stresses within their group, in any conversation I have had recently with his Thanet Independent Group colleagues I have urged them to do all they can to to try to keep Cllr Driver in their group and as the Chair of Scrutiny.

This statement is absolutely factual - please feel free to check these facts with Cllr Driver's two group colleagues.

Cllr Clive Hart - Labour Leader of TDC

DREAMLAND APPEAL - COURT DATE SET

 

Thanet District Council has today (Thursday 20 December) been successful in its application to have the Dreamland Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) appeal prioritised.

A two day hearing will now take place on Wednesday 20 and Thursday 21 March 2013.
If the appeal by the landowners is unsuccessful, Thanet District Council will immediately begin the process of acquiring ownership of the site.

The council received approval from the Secretary of State for the Compulsory Purchase of the site in August 2012, following a public inquiry.

The landowners then challenged the decision by the Secretary of State.

Thanet District Council is working in partnership with The Dreamland Trust to create a world first for the site, an amusement park of thrilling historic rides, with classic sideshows, vintage cafes, restaurants, and gardens with special events and festivals. 

Wednesday 19 December 2012

SPORT 4 LIFE


For the third year running, Thanet District Council is aiming to help adults in Thanet who, previously, may not have felt that they have had the time or money to get involved with sport.
Sport 4 Life will be delivering a series of free sports activities across the area with sessions starting from Monday 14 January 2013 which will continue for 8 weeks.
Thanet District Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Services, Cllr Iris Johnston said: “Many people can relate to wanting to keep active and fit, especially after the Christmas period. This scheme, run by Thanet District Council is a great way to bring together people, who are interested in the same thing. There’s something for everyone to get involved in such as Pilates, Futsal and dance classes. Get fit and give something new a go next year.”
All sessions are free and open to anyone aged 16 or over. Those who get the sports bug will then be helped to find a suitable activity after the 8 weeks of free activities ends.
Get into the rhythm on Monday lunchtimes with Zumba Gold, which is aimed at the active older participant, and is fun, social and friendly. These classes will take place at Hartsdown Leisure Centre between 1-2pm. Also on a Monday: learn to dance to the rumba, quickstep or foxtrot at The Baptist Church in Margate between 7.30-8.30pm.
Ladies, get back onto the court with Return 2 Netball. Boost your fitness and match play at Ursuline Sports Centre from 7-8pm on a Monday.
Emphasise your creativity, technique, ball control and passing in smaller spaces with Futsal, the ultimate 5-a-side football experience. This will take place at Hartsdown Leisure Centre on Tuesdays between 5.30-6.30pm.
On Wednesdays try your hand at indoor volleyball and warm up for the summer beach season. This fast and frantic game will be at St George’s School in Broadstairs from 6-7pm. Also on Wednesdays at Hartsdown Leisure Centre you could take part in fun and energetic light fitness workouts: easing your way back into the New Year with this full body conditioning session.
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of your day and join in with the lunchtime Pilates classes, again at Hartsdown Leisure Centre on Thursdays from 1-2pm. Also on Thursdays, Ramsgate Sports Centre is holding badminton and table tennis tasters from 5.30-6.30pm.

All classes have a limited number of places available, so book in fast. For more details of the Sport 4 Life sessions, or to get yourself registered, visit www.thanet.gov.uk/sport or call 01843 577032.

COUNCIL SECURES £1.9M FOR CLIFTONVILLE PROJECT

Thanet District Council is delighted to announce that it has today (Wednesday 19 December) secured funding of £1.9 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), through their Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI), for a restoration project in Dalby Square, Cliftonville.
Council Leader, Cllr Clive Hart, said: “Close on the heels of Margate’s inclusion in the international ‘Rough Guide’ as a top travel destination, this is another brilliant opportunity to improve the area still further. The project will not only extend the successful concept as seen in the rejuvenated Old Town area but also create useful additional employment in the district.” 
The scheme, which is due to commence in January 2013, follows the similar and successful historic area grant schemes in Margate Old Town (2003-2008) and Ramsgate seafront (2008-2013) which have done much to contribute to the new positive interest being taken in Thanet.
The five-year programme will take place in the Dalby Square Conservation Area (includes Dalby Road and Arthur Road).
Stuart McLeod, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund South East, said: “HLF investment goes well beyond the bricks and mortar of buildings. THI schemes can really help turn around local economies, not only by improving how they look and feel, but by prompting business start-ups and creating new jobs and training opportunities. We are delighted to be able to work with Thanet District Council in helping boost the fortunes of Dalby Square.”
Grants will be given to improve the appearance of the front elevations of buildings in the area, in a manner that reinforces their historic character, to replace lost architectural detailing, such as balconies, windows and cornices and to improve the ‘public realm’ – such as paving and lighting. Further, funding is aimed at bringing empty properties back into use, especially where this will help to create additional employment in Dalby Square; beyond the extra staff who will be involved in coordinating the scheme itself.
Dalby Square was developed in the 1870s and was the centrepiece of the planned seaside resort of Cliftonville. The area consists of grand, and highly ornate, terraces and villas, many of which were originally hotels. Up to the First World War, Cliftonville was probably the most exclusive seaside resort in England – a grandeur reflected in its many surviving buildings from the mid to late Victorian period.
The project will also fund the promotion of Dalby Square, and the wider area, as a place of great historic and townscape value, and as a highly desirable place to live or visit.
With the renewed interest in Britain’s heritage and the tighter control which Thanet District Council is taking over ensuring that landlords look after their properties, this all provides a superb opportunity to breathe even more of life back into Thanet’s tremendous potential for increased prosperity.  

Monday 17 December 2012

Statement from Cllr Ian Driver Current Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel


Last week I called for the resignation of the Chairman of Thanet Council, Councillor Doug Clark, because, in my opinion, he had used his casting vote unconstitutionally in relation to decisions about SFP Ventures (UK) Ltd and the Royal Sands Development Ramsgate at a meeting on 6th December. 

I have checked the Constitution of Thanet District Council.  Article 21.2 states that “there will be no restriction on how the Chairman chooses to exercise a casting vote.”  Technically speaking Cllr Clarke did not therefore act unconstitutionally. I publically apologise to Councillor Clark for suggesting that he did. Any complaint I may have planned to take to the Council’s Standards Sub-Committee is therefore not warranted because no rules have been broken.

However I would like to point out that the exercise of a casting vote does not take place in a vacuum.  A casting vote must be used in a reasonable and balanced manner and the person using that vote must take into account all of the issues related to the subject under discussion including;
·        the level of public interest
·        the level of  councillor interest 
·        the financial implications of the decision
·        any precedents set by previous discussion on this or similar issues
·        any other relevant issues of concern relating to the issue under discussion
·        any advice or guidance about how best to manage the issue under debate

In relation to SFP Ventures Ltd and Royal Sands I think it would be fair to say that;
·        Quite clearly the people of Ramsgate are concerned about the Royal Sands development. They want to know what the Council proposes to do about the lack of progress made by developers SFP Ventures (UK) Ltd during the past decade
·        Quite clearly many councillors share these concerns. That’s why 27 councillors (50% of those present at the meeting on 6th December) voted to have any final decision about a new development agreement with SFP Ventures (UK) Ltd, discussed and voted on by a meeting of the full Council, rather than a decision being taken by a single Cabinet member at a secret meeting.
·        Quite clearly any decision about Royal Sands has major financial implications for the Council and council taxpayers. 
·        Quite clearly a precedent has been set when in 2009 the first changes SFP Ventures (UK) Ltd’s development agreement were agreed at a meeting of the full Council rather than by a secret meeting.

Furthermore there are a number of other relevant issues which Councillors may have wished to raise had they been granted a full debate and vote about the changes to the development agreement including;
·      the value of the land proposed to be sold to SFP Ventures (UK) Ltd
·      uncertainties about the height of the development
·      issues related to the lack of a flood risk assessment when the project is being built in a designated flood risk area
·      issues related to the cost to the Council of maintaining the cliff face behind the proposed development

There is also sound advice and guidance in place in relation to how the Chairman should have managed the discussion of Royal Sands on 6th December. Article 15 (iii) of the Council’s Constitution requires the Chairman “to ensure that the Council meeting is a forum for the debate of matters of concern to the local community and the place at which Members who are neither on the Executive nor hold Committee chairs are able to hold the Executive and Committee chairmen to account”. The Government Audit Commission, following an investigation into the Royal Sands development, also cautioned the Council to manage this project as openly and transparently as possible, which suggests to me that any final decision on the proposed new development agreement with SFP Ventures (UK) Ltd be made at a meeting of the full Council rather than in a secret meeting.

It is my opinion therefore that,  when all the relevant factors are taken into account,  there is an overwhelming case for any final decision on the proposed new development agreement with SFP (Ventures) UK Ltd to be taken by a meeting of full Council. 
Although technically speaking the Chairman of the Council did not act unconstitutionally in using his casting vote to block this proposal, I do believe on the evidence above that he failed to use his casting vote in a considered and balanced manner.
Finally I would have expected officers of the Council to have made the Chairman aware of the issues I have raised in this statement.

Cllr Ian Driver
Current Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel 

New planning applications,

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


Date Published*Application No.AddressStatus
14 Dec 2012L/TH/12/096814 ALBION STREET, BROADSTAIRS, CT10 1LUcurrent
12 Dec 2012F/TH/12/093984 MONKTON ROAD, MINSTER, RAMSGATE, CT12 4EFcurrent
12 Dec 2012F/TH/12/0775119 SOUTHWOOD ROAD RAMSGATE CT110AZunknown
12 Dec 2012F/TH/12/0850LAND ADJ 34 SEAFIELD ROAD RAMSGATE CT110AXcurrent
12 Dec 2012F/TH/12/09722 CHURCH COTTAGES, PLUMSTONE ROAD, ACOL, BIRCHINGTON, KENT CT7 0JDcurrent
11 Dec 2012F/TH/12/096510 BERKELEY ROAD, BIRCHINGTON, KENT CT7 9JRcurrent
11 Dec 2012F/TH/12/0932100 STATION ROAD BIRCHINGTON CT79RAcurrent
11 Dec 2012A/TH/12/0933THE PARAGON, 100 STATION ROAD, BIRCHINGTON, CT7 9RA current
11 Dec 2012F/TH/12/090638 COLLEGE ROAD, RAMSGATE, CT11 7AA current
11 Dec 2012F/TH/12/0910MANSTON CARAVAN AND CAMPING PARK, MANSTON COURT ROAD,RAMSGATE current
11 Dec 2012F/TH/12/092258 WEST PARK AVENUE, MARGATE, CT9 3LJ current
11 Dec 2012F/TH/12/092327 HATFEILDROAD, MARGATE, CT9 5AT current
11 Dec 2012F/TH/12/092525A BUCKINGHAM ROAD, MARGATE, CT9 5SR current
11 Dec 2012F/TH/12/0929GREAT CLlFFSEND FARM, COTTINGTON ROAD, RAMSGATE, CT12 5JL current
11 Dec 2012F/TH/12/09416 NORTH FORELAND ROAD, BROADSTAIRS, CT10 3NJ current
11 Dec 2012F/TH/12/097462 KINGS AVENUE, BROADSTAIRS, CT10 1DN current
11 Dec 2012F/TH/12/097560 STATION ROAD, BIRCHINGTON, CT7 9RA current
11 Dec 2012L/TH/12/092850 HARBOUR PARADE, RAMSGATE, CT11 8LJ current
11 Dec 2012F/TH/12/095345 FITZROY AVENUE, BROADSTAIRS, KENTcurrent
07 Dec 2012F/TH/12/094694 SOUTHWOOD ROAD RAMSGATE CT110AWcurrent
07 Dec 2012F/TH/12/0945VIKING HOUSE CLIFTONVILLE AVENUE MARGATE CT9 2AQcurrent
* This date is when Thanet District Council first published this case file.

New documents published by Thanet District Council,

Thanet District Council licensing applications,

Name of Applicant / Club Address of Premises / Club Nature of application. New or variation Proposed licensable activities / or proposed variation Date by which representations may be made
(no less than 28 days after date received)
Martin McColl Limited 57 Station Road, Birchington CT7 9DJ New premises licence application Supply of alcohol 06 December 2012
Salmestone Grange Limited Nash Road, Margate CT9 4BX New premises licence application Supply of alcohol, regulated entertainment and late night refreshment 10 December 2012
Mr Krishnapillai Saseenthiran Rzi Restaurant, 49 Northdown Road, Margate CT9 2RN New premises licence application Supply of alcohol and late night refreshment 13 December 2012
Charlotte Russell & Joanna Cornford Fredericks Tearoom, Carlton Cinema, 29 St Mildreds Road, Westgate on Sea CT8 8RE New premises licence application Supply of alcohol, regulated entertainment and late night refreshment 18 December 2012
Charlotte Russell & Joanna Cornford Carlton Cinema, (Upper Floor) 29 St Mildreds Road, Westgate on Sea CT8 8RE New premises licence application Supply of alcohol, regulated entertainment and late night refreshment 18 December 2012
Sebastian Kingsley Newington Post Office, 85 Newington Road, Ramsgate CT12 6PP New premises licence application Supply of alcohol 20 December 2012
AKSSR Ltd Costcutter, 41-43 Northdown Road, Margate CT9 2RN New premises licence application Supply of alcohol 26 December 2012
Genting Casinos UK Limited Zion Place, Margate CT9 1RP Variation to premises licence Increase in hours for supply of alcohol 27 December 2012

Wednesday 12 December 2012

Thanet District Council meeting 6th December 2012 webcast,



Tuesday 11 December 2012

Response to the call for Thanet District Council Chairman to resign.

Thanet District Council constitution Council Procedure Rule 21.2 states that “if there are equal numbers of votes for and against, the Chairman will have a second or casting vote. There will be no restriction on how the Chairman chooses to exercise a casting vote.”

Thanet District Council’s Chairman Doug Clark acted fully in accordance with Council procedure rules when issuing his casting vote at the Full Council meeting on Thursday 6 December.

As the Cabinet had previously taken a decision in relation to the disposal of the Ramsgate Royal Sands site, and as there were no reports or paperwork supplied to support an informed debate on this subject at this meeting, the Chairman considered it appropriate on this occasion, to vote against the motion.

Thanet District Council Cabinet conducts all of its meetings in public and only excludes the press and public if commercially sensitive or confidential information is disclosed. All Councillors receive full copies of Cabinet reports and all Councillors can attend Cabinet meetings and speak on agenda items.

Cabinet has, importantly, already agreed that the Chairman of Scrutiny will receive all of the supporting information and reports with regards to the Ramsgate Royal Sands development before the council enter into any binding agreement with the developer.
 

Thanet beach Pollution Report Published

Chairman of Thanet Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee,  Cllr Ian Driver, has welcomed the publication of a report into the major sewage pollution incident which  led to the week-long closure of Thanet’s award winning  beaches in June 2012.
He said “this is an extremely thorough report which looks at the lessons to be learned following this terrible incident. The report makes 15 important  recommendations which will ensure that if something similar was to happen again we would be much better prepared and we would act a lot quicker”.
The key recommendations are -
·       Produce and adopt a Contingency Plan for the closure of Thanet Beaches which should be based on the best practice framework model for the South East Region to be developed by the Environment Agency;
·       Thanet District Council should be responsible for signage and dissemination of information during emergencies
·       Generic large signage boards (AO size) should be in store; ready to be deployed at strategic points of public access only to the beaches affected by the emergency event. The response to emergencies should be measured and appropriate and ensure that beaches not affected are not closed
·       Social media (to include face book, twitter and local radio stations) should be used to alert the public about the contamination on the beaches;
·       After the beaches have been cleaned, signage should be put up to let visitors and the public know that the beaches are now clean and open. Appropriate signage, including social media should be used to advertise that the beaches have been cleaned and are safe
·       Southern Water’s response time between alarm action and the physical presence of staff to an emergency site should be 20 minutes and Monitoring CCTV facility should be installed at strategic points at Foreness Point Pumping Station in order to enable early response to emergencies;
·       Southern water after a prolonged period of drought, there should be more frequent jet washing of the sewer system particularly along known pinch points
The report & its recommendations  will be approved by the meeting of Thanet’s Overview & Scrutiny Panel on 20th December.
Said Driver “I would like to thank everyone who gave evidence to the working group. We now need to begin working with Southern Water and the Environment Agency to implement the report recommendations which will  help us deal with any  future incidents of beach and sea pollution more effectively”.
For more information contact Cllr Ian Driver on 07866 588766
The report can found at this link
 

Thanet Councillor Welcomes Drugs Liberalisation Report

Independent Thanet District Councillor Ian Driver has welcomed the report of the Home Affairs Select Committee “Breaking the Cycle”  which calls on the Government to set up a Royal Commission into drugs policy and to  consider the liberalisation of drugs laws in England.
 
Said Driver “Everyone knows that the war on drugs is a lost cause.  In a time of austerity, we are wasting £billions of public money fighting a battle we can never win. Now at long last we are beginning to start having a sensible grown up debate about drugs policy. Liberalising drugs laws and decriminalising possession will save massive amounts of money which can be spent on drugs education,  medical treatment and research. Reviewing drugs laws and legalising cannabis will also help to reduce drug related crime and drive out organised criminal gangs from the drugs supply. This will have a massive and positive impact on crime and disorder problems in Thanet and across the town and cities of England and should be welcomed by everyone”.
Driver who admits to taking recreational drugs during his clubbing days said “ I have supported the decriminalisation of drugs and the legalisation of cannabis for many years now. The Report of the Home Affairs Select Committee shows that a growing number of politicians from the main parties and many scientists, academics and police officers, agree that it is time to start a serious discussion instead of  knee jerk prohibition”
“It’s not just in England that opinion is beginning to change, but worldwide with more and more leaders saying it’s time to reconsider drugs polices. I have been very impressed and influenced by the work of the “Break the Taboo” campaign   who are calling on the United Nations and Governments across the world to review their drugs policies. They have produced a brilliant film which can be seen at

NEWINGTON AWARDED £1M OF BIG LOTTERY FUNDING

Newington is set to receive at least £1 million of lottery funding as part of a national ‘Big Local’ initiative.

That’s the news following an announcement today (Monday 10 December) from the Big Lottery Fund (BIG).

The funding is part of a £200 million programme of investment which was launched in July 2010 by BIG and is managed by the Local Trust.

The initiative was set up to support small urban and rural communities to come together to make their areas even better places to live.

The funding can be used on anything from starting up social enterprises and addressing unemployment to tackling local issues or providing more activities and services for people locally.

Leader of Thanet Council, Cllr Clive Hart, said: “It’s fantastic that Newington has been chosen to be part of the Big Local programme. Receiving £1 million to inject into the local community is very welcome news.

“An exciting part of this funding is that the scheme is completely resident led, so it will be entirely up to people in the area to use the money on the things that matter most to them. This means there a chance for the whole community to have an input about what’s needed in the area and what could be done to improve things.

“As well as substantial funding, residents will also receive training and support to help them identify priorities and develop a plan for their area. I’m delighted for the residents of Ramsgate.”

There are four main outcomes that Big Local is hoping to achieve:

·         Communities will be able to better identify local needs and take action in response to them;
·         People will have increased skills and confidence so that they continue to identify and respond to needs in the future;
·         The community will make a difference to the needs it prioritises;
·         People will feel that their area is a better place to live.

The Big Local programme will be run by the Local Trust. As part of this a "Big Local Rep" employed by the Lottery will communicate with the community and help to guide the programme.

Monday 10 December 2012

Minority Labour Administration suppresses debate



In a cynical act of political arrogance, the minority Labour administration, with the help of two members of the Thanet Independent Group and the casting vote of the Labour Chairman of Council, have blocked vital debate on the Royal Sands (Pleasurama)development site.

Conservative Group leader, Cllr Bob Bayford, said after last Thursday’s vote: “Despite the public interest in this issue, particularly in Ramsgate, and the fact that millions of pounds of public money is at stake, the minority Labour administration has suppressed any debate on Royal Sands.  As always, the so called Thanet ‘Independents’, Cllrs Jack Cohen and John Worrow voted with the Labour Group to prop up its secretive and undemocratic approach to running this Council.”

“Then the final coup de grace was delivered by Council’s ineffectual and biased Labour Chairman, Cllr Doug Clark who put party before public and used his casting vote to block debate.

“Since the Chairman clearly failed to uphold the Council Constitution’s central principles of fairness and public interest, the Conservative Group is calling for his immediate resignation.

“This is yet another bad day for democracy in Thanet under this minority Labour administration.”

*The Council’s Constitution states in Article 5 that the Chairman of the Council must:

Para 2: ‘preside over meetings of the Council so that its business can be carried out…with regards to the …interests of the community.’
Para 3: ‘ensure that the Council meeting is a forum for the debate of matters of concern to the local community and the place at which members who are not on the Cabinet or hold Committee Chairs are able to hold the Cabinet and Committee Chairmen to account.’
Para 5: ‘be the conscience of the Council.’      

Saturday 8 December 2012

Ian Driver calls for resignation of Thanet Council Chairman


Independent Thanet District Councillor and Chairman of the Council’s powerful Overview& Scrutiny Panel, Ian Driver, has called for the immediate resignation of Council Chairman Doug Clarke for his “appallingly partisan and unconstitutional abuse of power.”

The demand for Clarke’s resignation follows a meeting of Thanet Council on 6th December when, as Chairman, he used his casting ballot to break the 27 – 27 vote deadlock to allow the approval of a major development agreement to take place secretly behind closed doors.
The £36million development at Ramsgate Royal Sands involves the construction of 107 luxury apartments and a 70 bed luxury hotel. The development is being managed by SFP Ventures (UK) Ltd.
SFP became the project developer 10 years ago and in that time precious little development work has taken place, apart from the pouring of foundations.
During this time members of the public and some Councillors have expressed their concerns about SFPs ability to complete the project.
SFP appears to have no track record as construction project developers. They are owned by an offshore parent company which pays no UK tax and is managed by unknown directors. They have on-going problems raising finance and even though the Council changed the development agreement in 2009 to make things easier for SFP, the company still appears to be struggling.
The company is now asking for further concessions including the sale of the freehold of the land to them for what Councillor Driver believes to be “a bargain basement price of £3.3million”.
A final decision on the sale of the freehold is now, following the use of the Chairman’s casting vote, likely to take place secretly behind closed doors.
Said Driver, SFPs management of the Royal Sands Development has been a 10 year nightmare, despite all their promises that the project would create jobs and help to regenerate Ramsgate’s economy all we have got is a “beachfront bombsite”
“There is a very strong public and political interest in sorting out this decade old problem and this should be done openly and democratically and involve as many councillors as possible. Not secretly and behind closed doors by a small unaccountable cabal”
Driver said “By using his casting vote to support a secretive deal with SFP, I believe Chairman Clarke has ignored his responsibilities under the Council’s Constitution and abused his powers.
“Article 5 paragraph 5.01.3 of TDCs Constitution requires that the Chairman of the Council must “ensure that the Council meeting is a forum for the debate of matters of concern to the local community and the place at which members who are not on the Cabinet or hold Committee Chairs are able to hold the Cabinet and Committee Chairmen to account.”
By voting to discuss and approve the revised SFP development agreement in secret, Councillor Clarke has, in my view, clearly broken this rule and should now resign. If he refuses to do the honourable thing I will move a motion of no confidence in him and will report his partisan and un-constitutional behaviour to the Standards Committee.
I have written to Cllr Clarke advising him of my views

New planning applications,

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 


Date Published*Application No.AddressStatus
07 Dec 2012F/TH/12/094694 SOUTHWOOD ROAD RAMSGATE CT110AWcurrent
07 Dec 2012F/TH/12/0945VIKING HOUSE CLIFTONVILLE AVENUE MARGATE CT9 2AQcurrent
06 Dec 2012F/TH/12/0441ALL SAINTS AVENUE MARGATEcurrent
06 Dec 2012F/TH/12/0916LAND ADJOINING THE HOMESTEAD ARUNDEL ROAD RAMSGATE CT125DZcurrent
06 Dec 2012F/TH/12/0921QUEENS COURT, QUEENS PARADE, MARGATE, CT9 2GAcurrent
06 Dec 2012A/TH/12/0932100 STATION ROAD BIRCHINGTONcurrent
05 Dec 2012F/TH/12/09353 SUTHERLAND DRIVE, BIRCHINGTON, CT7 9UE current
05 Dec 2012F/TH/12/06965 CROFTON ROAD WESTGATE-ON-SEA CT88DYcurrent
05 Dec 2012F/TH/12/087831 KING STREET RAMSGATE CT118NPcurrent
05 Dec 2012F/TH/12/08926 CASTLE COTTAGES KINGSGATE BAY ROAD BROADSTAIRS CT103QLcurrent
05 Dec 2012F/TH/12/0908290 NORTHDOWN ROAD MARGATE CT92PTcurrent
05 Dec 2012F/TH/12/09138 COLLEGE ROAD, MARGATE, CT94DAcurrent
05 Dec 2012F/TH/12/09512 DUMPTON PARK DRIVE BROADSTAIRS CT101REcurrent
05 Dec 2012F/TH/12/0952PRIORY COUNTY INFANT SCHOOL CANNON ROAD RAMSGATE CT119XTcurrent
05 Dec 2012F/TH/12/09546 GRENHAM BAY AVENUE BIRCHINGTON CT79NNcurrent
05 Dec 2012F/TH/12/0918LIDL UK GMBH 416 MARGATE ROAD RAMSGATE CT126SJcurrent
05 Dec 2012F/TH/12/0889131 NORTHDOWN ROAD, MARGATE, KENTcurrent
05 Dec 2012F/TH/12/09112 BAY VIEW ROAD, BROADSTAIRS, KENT CT10 2EAcurrent
05 Dec 2012F/TH/12/0919191 NORTHDOWN ROAD, MARGATE, CT9 2PAcurrent
05 Dec 2012F/TH/12/0920WHITE STAG, 70 MONKTON STREET, MONKTONcurrent
04 Dec 2012F/TH/12/0917LAND ADJ, 79 ST MILDREDS ROAD, WESTGATE ON SEA, CT8 8RL current
30 Nov 2012F/TH/12/085124-25A PARK PLACE MARGATE CT91LEcurrent
30 Nov 2012F/TH/12/0740FLAT 1 39 ALBION STREET BROADSTAIRS CT10 1NEcurrent
30 Nov 2012F/TH/12/074482 MONKTON STREET MONKTON RAMSGATE CT124JFcurrent
30 Nov 2012F/TH/12/079028 ALEXANDRA ROAD BROADSTAIRS CT101EPcurrent
30 Nov 2012F/TH/12/0843PELOSIS CAFE 76 HARBOUR PARADE RAMSGATE CT118LPcurrent
30 Nov 2012F/TH/12/084413 PARAGON RAMSGATE CT119JXcurrent
30 Nov 2012F/TH/12/0882AMF BOWLING ADDINGTON STREET MARGATE CT9 1QScurrent
30 Nov 2012F/TH/12/0887WATCHESTER FARMHOUSE WATCHESTER LANE MINSTER RAMSGATE CT12 4DAcurrent
30 Nov 2012F/TH/12/0888WOOD FARM MANSTON ROAD MANSTON RAMSGATE CT125AYcurrent
30 Nov 2012F/TH/12/092613 MAYFORTH GARDENS RAMSGATE CT110LLcurrent
30 Nov 2012F/TH/12/0940VYESON COURT QUEEN STREET RAMSGATE CT11 9DTcurrent
30 Nov 2012L/TH/12/0185FLAT 1 5 UNION CRESCENT MARGATE CT91NRcurrent
30 Nov 2012L/TH/12/075882 MONKTON STREET MONKTON RAMSGATE CT124JFcurrent
30 Nov 2012TL/TH/12/064849-51 RODNEY STREET RAMSGATE CT11 9JTdecided
30 Nov 2012F/TH/12/0893NUMBER 16 MARINE DRIVE AND 42, HIGH STREET, MARGATE, CT9 1DScurrent
30 Nov 2012L/TH/12/0915CHURCHILL TAVERN, 19-22 PARAGON, RAMSGATE, CT11 9JX current
29 Nov 2012F/TH/12/0914CHURCHILL TAVERN, 19-22 PARAGON, RAMSGATE, CT11 9JX current
29 Nov 2012F/TH/12/090214 NELSON CRESCENT RAMSGATE CT119JFcurrent
29 Nov 2012F/TH/12/0894THANET COLLEGE RAMSGATE ROAD BROADSTAIRS CT101PNcurrent
28 Nov 2012F/TH/12/090562A ADDISCOMBE ROAD, MARGATE, CT9 2SUcurrent
28 Nov 2012F/TH/12/0909THE CENTRE, NEWINGTON, RAMSGATEcurrent
28 Nov 2012F/TH/12/0810THE OLD POST OFFICE, CANTERBURY ROAD, SARRE, KENT CT7 0JYcurrent
28 Nov 2012F/TH/12/09046 SCEALES DRIVE CLIFFSEND RAMSGATE CT125HHcurrent
27 Nov 2012F/TH/12/0879107A HIGH STREET, RAMSGATE, CT11 9RHcurrent
26 Nov 2012F/TH/12/071969 WESTFIELD ROAD, MARGATE, CT9 5PA decided
26 Nov 2012F/TH/12/085957 ALPHA ROAD, BIRCHINGTON, CT7 9ED current
26 Nov 2012OL/TH/12/0875LAND FORMERLY USED AS CLUB UNION CONVALESCENT HOME, READING STREET, BROADSTAIRS current
26 Nov 2012F/TH/12/092431 SANDWICH ROAD, RAMSGATE, CT12 5HX current
26 Nov 2012F/TH/12/0899173A PERCY AVENUE, BROADSTAIRS, CT10 3LE current
26 Nov 2012F/TH/12/089623 THE HAWTHORNS, BROADSTAIRS, CT10 2NG current
26 Nov 2012L/TH/12/088610 KINGSGATE CASTLE, JOSS GAP ROAD, BROADSTAIRS, CT10 3PH current
26 Nov 2012F/TH/12/088510 KINGSGATE CASTLE, JOSS GAP ROAD, BROADSTAIRS, CT10 3PH current
26 Nov 2012F/TH/12/0874EAGLE HOUSE, THE PARADE, BROADSTAIRS, CT10 1LZ current
26 Nov 2012F/TH/12/085469 MONKTON ROAD, MINSTER, RAMSGATE, CT12 4EE current
26 Nov 2012F/TH/12/0765LAND ADJACENT 30 AND 32 HIGH STREET AND 9, CAVENDISH STREET, RAMSGATEcurrent
* This date is when Thanet District Council first published this case file.