The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government has today (Friday 14 June) announced that planning permission for a superstore, the refurbishment of Arlington House and the development of a hotel and shops at the Arlington site has been granted.
The appeal was called in by the Secretary of State for determination following a four day public inquiry held in November 2012.
Leader of Thanet District Council, Cllr. Clive Hart, said: “The Secretary of State has now determined that the proposed development at Arlington is the right way forward for Margate.
“His decision follows a detailed and thorough examination of the plans, and has also included consideration of the feedback from members of the public as part of the public inquiry.
“From the outset we’ve been clear that we want to ensure the best possible future for this site. With the success of Turner Contemporary, and approval to progress with the exciting plans at Dreamland, unlocking the potential for further regeneration in this part of the town is absolutely key.
“There can be no doubt that the area immediately surrounding Arlington House, which is the entrance to Margate, is an eyesore.
“As the final decision for this development was outside of the council’s control, our role now will be to get the best possible outcome for the residents of Margate and Thanet and to ensure the site complements and enhances the wider regeneration of the town.”
A disaster for Margate. No-one seems to know who in TDC as the landowner, agreed that the development could go ahead. Perhaps Clive Hart or Alan Poole would like to explain. TDC should now get at least £1.5M for agreeing to the development which goes some way towards Ferrygate.
ReplyDeleteIn what way will this revive Margate? It is well established that the out-of-town supermarkets have killed the high street, so to have something of this size a stone's throw from Margate high street is the death nail for it. And worse, it threatens the few shops, cafes and restaurants that have managed to make it this far. With the advent of Dreamland around the corner this feels like a giant step backwards for the town when this was no need - the area already has amongst the highest ratio of supermarkets per capita in the country. Depressing.
ReplyDeleteNo thoughts then, Anon, on the revival of a particulasrly depressing and run down eyesore on the Margate sea front? No thoughts either on how a major superstore just might bring footfall back into the town? No thoughts on those less fortunate folk, aged, low income and disabled, who find the trek out to Westwood a difficult? No, you just trundle out your own selfish point of view without regard for others.
DeleteNot sure that many pop down to Tesco's for a nice romantic quiet evening meal?
Deleteretail relies of footfall. Currently, Margate High Streey died some years ago people CHOSE to use other outlets, and then ultimately Westwood.
This store will bring jobs, HUGE footfall, wealth and opportunity to those prepared to take advantage of that opportinity.
Sounds like a challenge for Peter and one of his models.
DeleteTheme - can you have a romantic evening in Tesco's without anyone noticing.
I can imagine the model having a laugh trying to take sneaky pics with the hagan das.
:D
Wasn't Mary Portas against the Tesco development?
ReplyDeleteYes she was which must be one of the best reasons for going ahead with it seeing as she has done nothing for Margate so far.
DeleteCouldn't agree more Peter!
ReplyDeleteRemember their tragic petition? They didn't even manage to drag their sorry arses to 500 signitures, and that even with the occutards forging an entry for me!
ReplyDeleteThey were always a TINY minority of nimbys and anti capitalists, now happily marginalised and ignored as they should have been a LONG time ago!
A large Tesco is a terrible idea for margate seafront. Demolishing Arlington provides a fresh start to improve the seafront and Dreamland. A Tesco is terrible.
ReplyDeleteSorry to drop a bombshell on you.
ReplyDeleteA consultation from 2010-2011 which features the new sea defense/kings steps. Marine Drive and Marine Terrace will be narrowed to 7 metre's wide by widening the pavement for pedestrians. The parking spaces will be removed so the business's can go alfresco.
The round about at the station will be removed and 3 way traffic lights installed. At the Clock Tower, the road is going to be moved around the otherside to create a traffic light controlled crossroads with Belgrave Road.
All this work has been estimated to cost about 8 Million pounds, and is to be funded by Dreamland and Tesco Arlington, as the KCC has no budget for it.
I only found out about it on Friday, as all the public consultations must of happened when most of us were at work.
Here is a link to the PDF document.
http://arlingtonhousemargate.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/jacobe-margate-seafront-public-realm.pdf