Saturday 29 June 2013

Destination Management Plan for Thanet - First in Kent!

Showcasing Thanet’s unique beaches, attracting more investment and creating additional attractions and accommodation are all part of what Thanet District Council hopes will be achieved following the development of a new Destination Management Plan for Thanet.
The plan, which is the first of its kind in Kent, has been created to help the area achieve its potential as a visitor destination, by working closely with local tourism industry businesses.
Developed in partnership with Visit Kent and overseen by leading destination consultants, Blue Sail, the plan has involved the contribution of almost 100 local businesses through a series of workshop sessions over the past eight months.
The final draft of the plan was shared with tourism industry businesses at an event yesterday (Tuesday 25 June) at Manston Airport, where they were encouraged to sign up to deliver some of the key activities.
The new plan sets out priorities for Thanet over the next five years to help improve the visitor economy and encourage investment into the area.
The priorities focus around, beach management, coastal regeneration and telling our stories.
Some of the specific activities include the creation of a beach management plan to help improve public information about beach cleaning and activities on offer, developing a new toolkit with businesses to help market and promote the area and improving trails and signs around the coast to help create an excellent first impression for visitors.
Cabinet Member for Tourism, Cllr. Iris Johnston, said: “The tourism industry in Thanet is worth £230 million to the local economy. This is a key priority for the area.
“Working together with local businesses and attractions is absolutely essential to maximizing the potential future growth of this industry and attracting millions of new visitors to the area.
“Those familiar with Thanet will know the wealth of stunning natural assets the coastline has to offer, and the great attractions there are to visit.
“The purpose of this plan is to help coordinate all of our efforts to make sure we’re selling Thanet at its absolute best, supporting local businesses who we know work tirelessly to provide attractions, accommodation, eateries and experiences and ultimately doing all we can to ensure we’re creating a unique and exciting experience for our visitors.”
Michele Grant, Director of Blue Sail (Destination Consultants), said: “'A successful destination is one that agrees what is special and distinctive about the place and then uses that to prioritise action. That has been our approach to developing the Thanet DMP. We've involved the industry every step of the way and their commitment and enthusiasm will help ensure the DMP adds value to what is already happening”.
The Destination Management Plan is part of Thanet’s wider Economic Growth and Regeneration Strategy.

Thursday 27 June 2013

Local Plan consultation - public drop-in sessions

Thanet District Council is holding a series of drop-in sessions for members of the public to support its ten week public consultation on the issues and options for a new Local Plan.
Members of the planning team will be available at the following venues to discuss the Local Plan, to help people respond to the consultation and to answer any questions.
There’s no need to confirm or book a place, just turn up on the following days:
  • Tuesday 2nd July - Customs House, Harbour Parade, Ramsgate, 2pm-8pm
  • Thursday 4th July - Thanet’s Gateway Plus, Cecil Street, Margate, 2pm-8pm
  • Tuesday 9th July - Queens Road Baptist Church, Broadstairs, 2pm-8pm
  • Thursday 11th July - Minster Village Hall, Minster, 2pm-8pm
This is the first of three stages of consultation, before the council adopts a new Local Plan in 2015.
The Local Plan will be the council’s overarching planning policy document covering the whole district up to 2031.
It covers how much new housing should be provided and where, the growth of the economy and how many jobs are likely to develop, local infrastructure, community facilities and the future role of Westwood and our coastal town centres.  It also identifies what land should be protected from development such as our parks and open spaces.
To develop a new Local Plan the council has to consider very detailed evidence, which is examined by an inspector.
The council is keen to ensure that members of the public are provided with all of the relevant information to inform their consultation responses. This means that the consultation document is very detailed. 
If anyone needs any help or advice about any of the information provided, or would like to speak with a member of the planning team, they are encouraged to attend the drop-in sessions or to e-mail local.plans@thanet.gov.uk or call 01843 577591.
The consultation document and questionnaire are available to complete online at www.thanet.gov.uk/localplan
This consultation is open until Wednesday 14 August.

PEOPLE’S ASSEMBLY COMES TO THANET

KEY SPEAKER: Jeremy Corbyn MP
The People’s Assembly Against Austerity movement will hold its first public meeting in Thanet on Thursday July 4.
The movement, which aims to unite all strands in society against the policy of cuts and austerity, has been attracting thousands of followers across the country.
The first meeting of the movement, held in London on June 22, brought together over 4000 people to central London for what the organisers claimed was the biggest anti-austerity conference Britain has so far seen.
Speakers in Thanet will include well-known London MP Jeremy Corbyn, Natalie Bennett, leader of the Green Party, Christine Shawcroft, a member of the Labour Party National Executive Committee, and Candy Udwin of Keep Our NHS Public.
The meeting has been organised by Thanet Trades Union Council, Anti-Cuts Thanet and the Green Party.
Christine Tongue of Anti-Cuts Thanet said:  “This will be an historic meeting for Thanet and east Kent. We will be coming together for the first time to discuss how to defend the welfare state from unnecessary cuts.
“The message of the People’s Assembly movement is clear – we mustn’t accept the myth of austerity – we mustn’t accept that we have to cut our public services and jobs to pay for the mistakes of banks and the finance industry.”
Christine added: “If we don’t act now, we risk surrendering the gains that have improved the lives of the majority of the people in this country for over more than 50 years.”
The meeting is at 7.30pm, Thurs 4 July, at the Queens Road Baptist Church, 2 Queens Road, Broadstairs. Kent. CT10 1NU

Ramsgate’s old and new Mayors

On Friday 5 July Thanet District Council’s Sport Matters team will be holding a new local beach volleyball competition, the ‘Beach Volleyball Cup’.  
This will take place on Margate Main Sands starting at 5.30pm until 9.30pm.  It is open to teams of two players of all abilities with a maximum of 10 places in both men’s and woman’s heats. For more information on taking part please visit www.thanet.gov.uk/sport for an application form or contact the Sport and Leisure department on 01843 577 032.
The Beach Volleyball Cup is a knockout competition that will showcase Thanet’s sporting talent as well as offer a fun and challenging activity to participate in.
The winners of the ‘Beach Volleyball Cup’ will then come back to take part in an exhibition match during the Finals of Margate Masters on Sunday 25 August where they will have the experience of playing on a national standard volleyball court in front of a cheering crowd.
It is a great chance to get involved and play a part at this year’s National Beach Volleyball Finals alongside European and UK champions and in front of hundreds of spectators.
Councillor Iris Johnston, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “Thanet District Council offers a wide range of sporting opportunities to local people in Thanet.

"As we approach this summer's National Beach Volleyball Finals, which will be the biggest Beach Volleyball competition in the UK this year, the council's Sport and Leisure department is offering local people the opportunity to take part in the Beach Volleyball Cup".

Tuesday 25 June 2013

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
25 Jun 2013A/TH/13/0447LAND AT HAINE ROAD/ NASH ROAD, WESTWOOD, THANETcurrent
25 Jun 2013F/TH/13/048241 QUEX ROAD WESTGATE-ON-SEA CT88ATcurrent
25 Jun 2013F/TH/13/0448LAND AT HAINE ROAD/ NASH ROAD, WESTWOOD, THANETcurrent
21 Jun 2013F/TH/13/048071 ROYAL ESPLANADE MARGATE CT95ETcurrent
21 Jun 2013F/TH/13/041636 KING EDWARD AVENUE BROADSTAIRS CT101PHcurrent
21 Jun 2013F/TH/13/042938 LANTHORNE ROAD BROADSTAIRS CT103LZcurrent
21 Jun 2013F/TH/13/045420 HAROLD ROAD BIRCHINGTON CT79NAcurrent
21 Jun 2013F/TH/13/04788 BRECON SQUARE RAMSGATE CT126NScurrent
21 Jun 2013F/TH/13/048419 CLIFFSEND GROVE CLIFFSEND RAMSGATE CT125JTcurrent
21 Jun 2013F/TH/13/048815 THE PADDOCKS BROADSTAIRS CT103AJcurrent
21 Jun 2013L/TH/13/0313PINEWOOD STUDIOS 3 ROYAL CRESCENT ST. AUGUSTINES ROAD RAMSGATE CT119PDcurrent
21 Jun 2013L/TH/13/0486URSULINE CONVENT CANTERBURY ROAD WESTGATE ON SEA CT88LXcurrent
20 Jun 2013F/TH/13/047923 FOADS HILL CLIFFSEND RAMSGATE CT125ELcurrent
20 Jun 2013F/TH/13/047526 GEORGE V AVENUE MARGATE CT95QAcurrent
19 Jun 2013F/TH/13/0466ST. ANNES PRESBYTERY DEVONSHIRE GARDENS MARGATE CT93AFcurrent
19 Jun 2013F/TH/13/046764 LEICESTER AVENUE CLIFTONVILLE MARGATE CT93DBcurrent
19 Jun 2013F/TH/13/046943 QUEX VIEW ROAD BIRCHINGTON CT70DZcurrent
19 Jun 2013L/TH/13/046412 TRINITY SQUARE, MARGATE, CT9 1HRcurrent
19 Jun 2013F/TH/13/046312 TRINITY SQUARE, MARGATE, CT9 1HRcurrent
18 Jun 2013F/TH/13/02852 CECIL SQUARE, MARGATE, CT9 1BDcurrent
13 Jun 2013A/TH/13/0446CUMMINS POWER GENERATION LTD COLUMBUS AVENUE MANSTON PARK MANSTON RAMSGATE CT125BFcurrent
13 Jun 2013F/TH/13/044916 AVEBURY AVENUE RAMSGATE CT118BBcurrent
13 Jun 2013F/TH/13/045036 CROSS ROAD BIRCHINGTON CT79HWcurrent
13 Jun 2013F/TH/13/04529 LINDEN ROAD WESTGATE-ON-SEA CT88BYcurrent
13 Jun 2013L/TH/13/0410THE ALBION SECOND HAND BOOKSHOP 44 ALBION STREET BROADSTAIRS CT101NEcurrent
13 Jun 2013L/TH/13/0451THE SCHOOL HOUSE DOWN BARTON ROAD BIRCHINGTON CT7 0PYcurrent
13 Jun 2013A/TH/13/040420 ST PETERS PARK ROAD, BROADSTAIRS, CT10 2BLcurrent
13 Jun 2013F/TH/13/034014A WHITEHALL ROAD, RAMSGATE, CT12 6DEcurrent
13 Jun 2013F/TH/13/0358ST ANTHONY, 6 BERKELEY ROAD, BIRCHINGTON, CT7 9JNcurrent
13 Jun 2013F/TH/13/0393CRABAPPLE FARM STABLES, WOODCHURCH ROAD, BIRCHINGTON, CT7 0GGcurrent
13 Jun 2013F/TH/13/0400LONDON ARRAY TRAINING CENTRE, PORT OF RAMSGATE, ROYAL HARBOUR APPROACH, RAMSGATEcurrent
13 Jun 2013F/TH/13/04052 ADDINGTON STREET, RAMSGATE, CT11 9JLcurrent
13 Jun 2013F/TH/13/043460 FITZROY AVENUE, BROADSTAIRS, CT10 3LScurrent
13 Jun 2013F/TH/13/043527 SEA VIEW ROAD, BROADSTAIRS, CT10 1BXcurrent
13 Jun 2013F/TH/13/04408 DETLING AVENUE, BROADSTAIRS, CT10 1SLcurrent
13 Jun 2013F/TH/13/044481 EPPLE BAY ROAD, BIRCHINGTON, CT7 9EWcurrent
13 Jun 2013F/TH/13/045328 LINDENTHORPE ROAD, BROADSTAIRS, CT10 1BGcurrent
13 Jun 2013F/TH/13/0468GARDEN GATE PROJECT, NORTHDOWN PARK, MARGATEcurrent
13 Jun 2013F/TH/13/047128 QUETTA ROAD, RAMSGATE, CT12 6NGcurrent
13 Jun 2013F/TH/13/0419138 GRANGE ROAD RAMSGATE CT119PRcurrent
* 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 / ClubAddress of Premises / ClubNature of application. New or variationProposed licensable activities / or proposed variationDate by which representations may be made
(no less than 28 days after date received)
Morrisons Supermarkets plc25-27 King Street, Ramsgate CT11 8NPNew premises licenceSupply of alcohol27 June 2013
Mr Carl HilliardAles Of The Unexpected, 105 Canterbury Road, Margate CT9 5AXNew premises licenceSupply of alcohol28 June 2013
Mrs Michele HudsonMarmalade Café Bar, 11 Harbour Street, Ramsgate CT11 8HANew premises licenceRegulated entertainment and the supply of alcohol12th July 2013
Christine Anne Kitts & Russell John Kitts9 The Broadway Broadstairs CT10 2ADNew premises licenceRegulated entertainment and the supply of alcohol18th July 2013

Dog Fouling – successful prosecution.

A Cliftonville resident has been prosecuted at Canterbury Magistrates Court for not clearing up after her dog on two different occasions.
Helan Ann Eade of Northdown Road, Cliftonville failed to turn up at court on Tuesday, 18 June and was found guilty in her absence for both offences. The first offence occurred on the 12 February 2013 and the second on the 20 February 2013 in Dalby Square, Cliftonville.

The court fined Ms Eade a total of £620.  The fine breakdown; £150 for each of the two offences of giving inaccurate information, £100 for each of the offences and £20 victim surcharge.
Cabinet Member for Business, Corporate and Regulatory Services, Councillor Michelle Fenner, said: “This is another successful prosecution for Thanet District Council’s Dog Wardens and Environmental Enforcement officers.
“This prosecution shows that if you don’t clear up after your dog we will prosecute, and you cannot escape by giving incorrect details. Local Residents should not have to put up with this type of anti-social behaviour and our Dog Wardens and Enforcement teams will continue to work hard to ensure culprits are caught and dealt with as appropriate.”

Monday 24 June 2013

Southeast Airshow Press Release

All parties recognise the problems that people faced travelling by vehicle to the South East Airshow and apologise to those who experienced long delays and were unable to attend the event.

There will be a full debrief with all parties and once we have collated all the feedback, we will be able to make a more detailed statement.

We would ask for people to email their views and their personal experiences to enquiry@heritage-events.co.uk  so we can respond appropriately to each person individually.

MARGATE FLOOD PROJECT WINS TOP AWARD FOR ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE

The Margate Flood and Coastal Protection project has won a top award at the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) South East England Engineering Excellence Awards 2013. 

Having entered the scheme for the regional 2013 Engineering Excellence Awards in March, the project was shortlisted and announced winner of the Community Award, for schemes which deliver their engineering objectives whilst achieving secondary benefits for the surrounding community. 

The project team behind the scheme received the award from ICE Senior Vice President, Geoff French, at a ceremony which was held at Leeds Castle on Friday 7 June. The awards recognise the best civil engineering projects across South East England with the judges looking for projects that deliver a real benefit to society through the knowledge, skills and professional expertise of civil engineers. 

The revetment steps are a new feature on Margate’s seafront and enhance the local environment, as well as providing vital protection from the risk of flooding. The steps have been designed with integrated seating and lighting to provide an attractive new area to enjoy Margate’s famous coastal views. 

Director of ICE South East England, John Laverty, said: “Our congratulations go to the project team involved in this scheme on winning the overall Community Award. ICE South East England’s Engineering Excellence Awards aim to recognise the very best infrastructure projects in the region and we are pleased that this project has won this level of recognition. 

“The project does not just have a singular role in sea defence but can be seen as a catalyst in determining the future life of Margate as a regenerated and vibrant Seaside Town.” 

Council Leader, Councillor Clive Hart, said: “The new defence works in Margate have been a welcome addition to the town. The team worked extremely hard and thanks to the expertise and efficiency the work was achieved to a remarkable standard and under budget by £1 million. 

I am thrilled that this standard has been recognised by the Institution of Civic Engineers who awarded the project the Community Award. Huge congratulations to the East Kent Engineering Partnership who were responsible for the design, the Environment Agency who funded the project and J Breheny Civil Engineering Ltd who undertook construction of the scheme.” 

Thursday 20 June 2013

BBC Nick Crane and Olympic hopeful Sam Brearey get behind ACTIVE RAMSGATE.

RAMSGATE TOWN COUNCIL AND KENT COUNTY COUNCIL
LAUNCH ACTIVE RAMSGATE ON 27TH JUNE 2013.
Ramsgate Town Council and Kent County Council are pleased to confirm that ACTIVE RAMSGATE, an exciting new programme designed to promote the town of Ramsgate, the surrounding area and an exciting mix of local businesses will be officially launched on the 27th June 2013 by coastal heroes, Nicholas Crane, Presenter of the BBC Coast series and Sam Brearey. National, European and World Sailing Champion.

A special Launch Lunch will kick start the celebrations at the Miles Bar in Ramsgate at 11am where invited guests can share some delicious (and locally sourced) refreshments, inspirational talks from local celebrities, art groups and businesses after taking to the road to enjoy a taste of what the Active Ramsgate programme has to offer.
ACTIVE RAMSGATE
A programme of activities everybody can enjoy.
Whether local residents want to discover more of the incredible history, natural beauty and attractions on their doorstep, or visitors want to do and see something different, Active Ramsgate won’t disappoint. This exciting new programme of cycling routes, walking trails, Geocaching challenges, boat rides and golf courses really does have something to offer everybody.
THREE NEW WALKING TRAILS
With a growing list of partner special offers and some of the most beautiful scenery on the south coast, stepping out has never been so in.
CYCLING AND BOATING
A range of cycling and boating activities designed for all ages and abilities.
GEOCACHING
Exciting, high-tech treasure hunts that use Smartphones to put Ramsgate on the map.
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
Cafés, restaurants, pubs, hotels, golf clubs… the list of local businesses who have signed up to the Active Ramsgate programme gets longer every day.
Kent’s coast line is one of the finest in Britain. It blends great scenery and history with some fantastic family activities, alongside great sailing waters.


Sam Brearey. National, European and World Sailing Champion.

“I’m a Londoner, so the dream weekend is a train to the coast to walk and bike and soak in seaside culture. Ramsgate’s got the lot.” Nicholas Crane, Presenter of the BBC Coast series.

“Active Ramsgate represents our approach to presenting and promoting the best of Ramsgate to the outside world… We hope and expect many Ramsgate businesses to take advantage of the offers within the project.” Former Mayor of Ramsgate, Councillor David Green.
ACTIVE RAMSGATE: a range of inspiring new walks, cycle routes, boat rides and geo-caching trails created to capture the interest of locals and visitors alike.

Tuesday 18 June 2013

YOUNG PEOPLE CELEBRATE GRADUATION FROM DAME KELLY HOLMES’ CHARITY PROJECT IN THANET

Over the past few weeks, young people in Thanet have been taking part in a programme run by Dame Kelly Holmes’ charity, the DKH Legacy Trust and last night (17 June) they celebrated their achievements at Baypoint Leisure Club, Sandwich at a presentation ceremony.
Get On Track, which is Lottery funded through Sport England and delivered in partnership with Thanet District Council and Sport 4 NRG, has seen world-class athletes provide mentoring and support to youngsters as they get ‘fit for work’. Through committing to a healthy and active lifestyle, this will help inspire them to make positive changes to their lives.
The athlete mentors on the programme were Taekwondo athlete Romaine Bailey and Commonwealth Games triple-jumper Michelle Griffith-Robinson. These athletes used their knowledge and experience of facing adversity and overcoming the odds to succeed, to help the young people struggling to find work.

Over the past few months, the young people have been put through their paces on the programme, where they’ve committed to a range of sporting activities. Through the support of local businesses, they’ve also been given an insight into employment throughout a range of industries. Most of the students are even walking away with a job or an apprenticeship.
Dame Kelly was delighted with the group’s progression on the programme, and is looking forward to being a part of their continued journey over the coming months.
She said: “They’ve been on an incredible journey over the past few weeks, and the key focus now is for them to remain positive and keep up all their good work.
“This group can now take inspiration from the coming weeks of sport, and see just what success a determined, positive attitude can bring. Success in sport can be linked to success in life; and this is a value this group has learnt from the past weeks on Get on Track.”
Councillor Iris Johnston, Cabinet Member for Community Services at Thanet District Council said: “It has been incredible to see the positive impact that Clare, Michelle and Romaine have had on the Get on Track candidates.
“Last night I was delighted to see happy, social young adults who are now motivated to lead successful lives; it was really inspiring to meet them and we're so happy to be the first council in Kent to deliver this innovative programme"

Thanet "Ferrygate" Scandal. Councillor Complains to Ombudsman

Green Party Thanet  District Councillor (TDC), Ian Driver, has submitted  a complaint to the Local Government Ombudsman about  what he described as “an appalling case  of mismanagement at the highest officer  and political level”.
He claims that TDC’s Constitutional Rules were deliberately broken by top Council bosses and senior politicians of the Conservative and Labour parties to keep  an  agreement, allowing  troubled  ferry operator  Transeuropa (TEF) to defer fees and charges to the Council, secret from councillors and the public for more than 2 years.
TEF went bust in in April 2013 owing TDC an estimated £3.4 million in unpaid debts forcing the beleaguered Council to raid its reserves including £1 million from Housing Benefits reserves.
Driver also claims that TDC Financial Procedure Rules appear to have been broken by Council Bosses and that the truth about TEF’s escalating debt to the Council was deliberately withheld from the Council’s Governance and Audit Committee and Overview and Scrutiny Panel. He said “had these committees been informed about TEFs large  and growing debt, instead of finding out after the liquidation of the company when it was too late, then it is highly likely that action would have been taken to reduce risk to the Council. By keeping the debt a secret Council tax payers in Thanet are now likely to have to find in the region of £30 per household to top up TDCs depleted reserves to the recommended level.
“I hope that the Ombudsman will investigate this matter thoroughly and name and shame those people who thought it was a good idea to play fast and loose with public money. I also hope that certain senior politicians and officers give serious thought about their unconstitutional actions and resign”   
Driver is calling on  the Ombudsman to recommend that in future any debts to the Council of over £250,000 must be reported to all councillors preventing a  “secret deals”  culture from becoming established and encouraging  openness and transparency in the Council’s financial affairs.
 For more information on FerryGate scandal and other local issues visit Ian Driver's blogsite  http://thanetgreencouncillor.blogspot.co.uk/