News and Views from
THE BROADSTAIRS SOCIETY
“We are but custodians of our heritage. It is our duty to protect and preserve our inheritance so that it may be said by future generations that we were worthy trustees.” AUGUST 2010 Patron: Lord Montagu of Beaulieu OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY President: Mr Jack Tullett, 11 Francis Road, Broadstairs CT10 3NG Tel: 867503 Vice-President: Mrs Lee Ault, ‘Rooftops’, 58 High Street, Broadstairs CT10 1JT Tel: 863453 Chairman: Mrs Kathleen Hotson, 10 Vere Road, Broadstairs CT10 1JF Tel: 868835 Vice-Chairman: Mrs Christine Murray, 39 Lanthorne Road, Broadstairs CT10 3NA Tel: 600056 Hon Secretary Mrs Lee Ault, ‘Rooftops’, 58 High Street, Broadstairs CT10 1JT Tel: 863453 Hon Treasurer: Mr Ted Illsley, 16 Francis Road, Broadstairs CT10 3NG Tel: 867501 Committee Members: Mr David Hotson Mr David Murray Mrs Pat Illsley Mr Peter Such Mr Ian Minter Mrs June Popham Mr Eddie Ault Mr Philip Hunt
WEB SITE www.thebroadstairssociety.org.uk Newsletter Editor: Mr Philip Hunt, Tel: 604974 mail@thebroadstairssociety.org.uk
Issue No. 133
CHAIRMAN’S COMMENT I am afraid I have not a lot to report this time. However there has been a lot going on in the town and I hope many of you were able to enjoy the Dickens Festival. I expect some of you saw me around town in my many disguises. The visitors to the town were very impressed and said what a lovely place Broadstairs is. We all know that don’t we? Our trip to Hampton Court was a very successful day despite the rain and I would like to thank Chris and Dave Murray for organising it for us. I look forward to the next outing. Enjoy the rest of the summer and I look forward to seeing many of you at our next open meeting on the 14th September.
Kathleen Hotson, Chairman
Membership Kathleen Hotson, as our Membership Secretary, reports: I begin my report on a sad note as one of our members, Mrs Mela Payne, has passed away following a short illness. Mela had been a valued member, having joined The Society in 1997. On behalf of The Committee and all our members we offer our sincere condolences to her family and friends. It has been a quiet time for membership but several people have expressed an interest and said that they will join when we meet again. At the time of writing we have 284 ordinary members and 5 corporate members. Sadly several people have not rejoined this year so we have not reached the 300 we had in December last year but I am sure with your help we will get there again. We have had two new members since the last Newsletter, Ms Pauline Landen and Mr Nicholas Sinclair, a very warm welcome to them both.
The Society Year The Society resumes its open meetings on Tuesday 14th September, in Park Hall, Pierremont Avenue at 7.30pm. Our guest speaker will be Mr Bob Barrass whose topic will be ‘The colourful life of JMW Turner’ - we look forward to meeting you all again for this interesting talk. On 12th October, the subject will be ‘The work of the Citizens Advice Bureau’ presented by Mr Ian Driver. Later that month, on the 22nd October, we have our Annual Dinner (see separate article for details). At the open meeting on 9th November our speaker will be Mr David Fagg whose topic will be ‘The Kent Air Ambulance’. Continued on page 2
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A day at Hampton Court Palace Our social secretary Chris Murray reports: Well I managed to pick another rainy day for the outing to Hampton Court, I’m beginning to get a reputation for predicting bad weather. Having arrived at our destination after the usual “Clackett” coffee stop, the weather took a turn for the worse and we were nearly high-jacked by an overzealous guide, whom once calmed down proved to be extremely knowledgeable and made a tour of the Palace very interesting. Between the showers everyone appeared to have managed to walk the gardens, not forgetting to feed the ducks and swans on the way round and spend some time trying the reach the centre of the maze and return safely back to the entrance. There were a couple of restaurants where lunch could be taken, the food was quite good and not too expensive. At the end of the day everyone made it back to the coach in good time ready for the journey home and despite the unseasonable weather seemed to have enjoyed their day. Obviously my weather forecasting techniques still leave much to be desired. If you have any thoughts on future destinations, please let me know, any suggestions would be welcome.
Broadstairs Conservation Area Advisory Group Our President, as Group Chairman, reports: It is pleasing that The Group’s presentation of November 2006 – ‘Broadstairs: The Changing Scene’, being a Study seeking to ensure the social and trade viability of the Town acted as a catalyst for our Town Council in their subsequent development of the Broadstairs and St Peter’s Town Design Statement. The Statement, recently made available for comment by public consultation, is in the form of a 60 page document prepared with the cooperation of District Council Planning, Conservation and Development Control, local architects, The Broadstairs Society and The Group with its supportive presentations, provides a detailed guide to the character of our Town and its Parishes and sets out the specific nature of its buildings and landscapes which makes it distinctive – by setting guidelines for sustainable new development, the preservation of open spaces, the safeguarding of our protected areas, street scenes and vistas. The intention of The Statement is to provide advice and guidance to land and property owners, developers and Architects for the benefit of our community, visitors and future generations to enjoy. After a series of consultations it is intended that any amendments or approved proposals be embraced within the Design Statement and then placed before Town Council for adoption as a Supplementary Planning Document, with the expectation eventually, that a ‘Broadstairs Master Plan’ be included within the Town Design Statement that being adopted as a ‘Supplementary Planning Guidance’ as an integral component of a new
Broadstairs Society members prepare to board the coach for their outing to Hampton Court Palace.
‘Local Development Framework’ – these various stages will take time but all is worthwhile in its assistance to ensure the implementation of the Town Councils’ vision for its sustainable future. Referring to others of The Group’s submissions, that of July 2007 ‘Improvements to Vere Road Car and Coach Park’ accepted in principal by District Council, then it is now unfortunately learned that the successful ‘bidder’ has ‘dropped out’ and so Council is to go to ‘auction’, during August, with a reserve in the hope of finding another interested party. It is also understood that District Council have discussed The Group’s February 2010 ‘Outline Development Study for the present derelict Viking Bay Shelter and adjacent area’ with their ‘preferred partners’ and have received some limited interest but intend further discussion – should it be that such fails to lead to agreement then Council would advertise nationally, possible with consideration to a shorter term solution for the area. These various matters, of importance to our Town, will be pursued by Group. It is anticipated that Group’s ‘Outline Study for the Improvement of St Peter’s Car Park, Hopeville Avenue’ will be completed within the next few weeks – Group, with its limited membership of its two Society representatives being your President as its Chairman and Executive Committee Member, Mr Ian Minter as Honorary Architect, together with a single representative of the District Council, our Town Council, Chamber of Commerce and Hotel and Leisure Association, with other invited individuals as determined by particular interest, normally convenes at three monthly intervals.
The proposed Community Centre Mr Ian Dale, Society Member and Chairman of The Community Centre Board of Trustees, reports: I regret that my optimistic report at The Society’s Annual General Meeting, this year, that The Trust had been asked by the Colyer Fergusson Charitable Trust to apply for a £2 million grant, had come to nothing. To say I am surprised and disappointed would be a gross Continued on page 3
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understatement. Over the six year period The Trust has applied for some £3.2 million in grants which we were generally led to believe would be successful. This has involved months of work and considerable professional fees (mainly paid by the Lottery). All of this effort achieved nothing with no satisfactory explanation from the funding sources. The funds we have secured (I believe) amounts to £750,000 for a project that is likely to cost £2.5 million. However I am pleased to report that even though there have been some serious setbacks to the project, the Trustees, the Town, District and County Councils, and the general public remain convinced that The Centre should go ahead. With this in mind the Town Council have now indicated that they will increase their current grant such that The Trust may be in a position to revert to our previous phased development plans. Work is currently well advanced to achieve this, and a successful contractor could be on site by the end of the year. But please don’t hold your breath!!
Civic Pride Awards 2010 Now is the time to make your nomination(s) for The Society’s Civic Pride Award. The purpose of this Award is ‘to encourage and reward projects within the scope of new buildings, restoration or conversions, not redecoration alone’ considered within in a twelve month period to have improved the appearance of Broadstairs & St. Peter’s.’ This award is made only when the appropriate standard is achieved. So, when you are walking around Broadstairs & St Peter’s, take time to look at and observe buildings and see if you think any would warrant a nomination! A nomination form for the Civic Pride Award is attached to this Newsletter. Please complete and return it to our President, Mr Jack Tullett at the address shown on the form no later than 30th September 2010.
Planning Our Planning Secretary Mr Peter Such reports: Relating to Applications mentioned in previous Newsletters the recent quarter has seen the following determinations: Land adjacent to 29 Albion Street and part Balmoral Gardens (second application) – Change of use of land for the siting of tables and chairs – Objection registered. Consent refused. 77 Carlton Avenue – Erection of a single storey rear extension and two storey side extension – Concerns registered. Consent granted.. Fordoun Lodge, Fordoun Road - Erection of single storey extensions, 2 metre high front boundary wall, erection of a single storey and first floor extension with Juliette balcony and alteration to existing roofs – Concerns registered. Application withdrawn. The applicant has since submitted a further application which is considered, by The Society, to be more acceptable and therefore no further comment has been made.
Mr Such has formally advised the TDC Planning Applications Manager of The Society reaction to the following: Bromstone House, Bromstone Mews – Erection of 3No. dwellings and 2No. garages – Concerns registered. Application withdrawn. Greenlawns, Sowell Street (Amended Plans) – Erection of 8No. two storey three bedroom houses and 1No. two bedroom flat over garages with ancillary car parking – The Society has reiterated their concerns relating to this application. Outcome awaited. The Pier, The Harbour – Change of use of land for retail use (mobile fish unit) - The Society have registered their support for this application. Outcome awaited. TDC has notified The Society of the following appeals: 15 Granville Road – Appeal by Mr C. Harper-Mears in respect of change of use to 5No. flats with erection of a three storey extension and creation of a roof terrace at second floor level (Revised scheme) – Copy of Appeal Decision requested. Land adjacent 29 Albion Street – Appeal by Magnolia Italian Restaurant in respect of change of use of land for siting of tables and chairs – Copy of Appeal Decision requested. (This appeal relates to the Applicants original application). Land adjacent 29 Albion Street and Part Balmoral Gardens – Appeal by Magnolia Italian Restaurant in respect of change of use of land for siting of tables and chairs – Copy of Appeal Decision requested (This appeal relates to the Applicants second application). 31 York Street – Appeal by Mr & Mrs Simpson in respect of retention of single storey side extension, rear balcony and staircase, together with the erection of privacy screens – Copy of Appeal Decision requested. The Planning Inspectorate has informed The Society of the following: Appeal by Mr Graham Watkins – Cherry Trees, Callis Court Road - Change of use and conversion from 1No. dwelling to 3No. self-contained flats following the erection of a first floor extension, roof extension, alterations to fenestration and the erection of a triple garage has been dismissed. Appeal by C. Miles Ltd – 56 Dumpton Park Drive – Erection of a four storey building comprising 10No. flats with associated underground parking to the rear and the creation of a new vehicular access following demolition of the existing building has been allowed.
North East Kent European Marine Site Mr Philip Hunt as Society representative reports: I attended the stakeholders meeting on 24th May 2010 Continued on page 4
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and was very interested to hear the latest news from the Swedish firm, Vattenfall regarding the progress of the Thanet Offshore Wind farm. At that time 81 of the 100 wind turbines were already in place and trialing of the power lines had commenced. It was anticipated that the project would be completed by mid July at which time it would be the largest offshore wind farm in the world, providing sufficient power for 24,000 homes. The official launch is to be 23rd September. The company has been working with local trainers and employers to ensure that jobs will be available for local people. Ingrid Chudleigh from Natural England talked about the Balanced Seas Project which aims to achieve healthy seas by working with all those who have an interest in the marine environment to identify and recommend Marine Conservation Zones. Thanet has important marine habitats around its coasts but the needs of local economy also require consideration. Visit www.balancedseas.org to find out more. Tony Child spoke about the review of the Thanet Coastal Code, which is in preparation and presented updates from the Thanet Coast Project. It has had a very busy year, organising many events as well as working with schools and afterschool clubs to raise issues of water safety and an appreciation of local marine and birdlife. I am looking forward to hearing Tony’s talk and presentation to the Broadstairs Society at the open meeting on 14th December. Meanwhile you and your family can enjoy summer fun at some of the events listed below.
Thanet Coast Project’s events on your local beaches Seashore Safaris Need to entertain your children or grand children during the holidays? Explore the rocky shores to find and identify Thanet’s intriguing sea life. Equipment provided. (Suitable for families) Dumpton Gap Stone Bay Joss Bay Louisa Bay
2nd August 17th August 3rd August 4th August 18th August 19th August
10 am 11 am 11 am 11 am 12 noon 2 pm
Rock Doc Walks – learn the language of rocks, chalk cliffs and fossils on a guided walk led by the Rock Doc, Alasdair Bruce. (Suitable for over 14s and adults) For details of other events including story telling, art and games pick up a leaflet from the library or tourist information points or visit www.thanetcoast.org.uk
Picure Copyright Vattenfall
Wind turbines off the Thanet coast. See article (left) on the North East Kent European Marine Site.
13 August. Over 500 events have been planned and bookings are already being taken. The costumed torchlight procession down the High Street will be held on Saturday August 7th at 10pm weather permitting. Further details from www. broadstairsfolkweek.org.uk
Book now for our Annual Dinner at The Charles Dickens Why not join us at our Annual Dinner on Friday 22nd October at The Charles Dickens Restaurant. Full details and menu are on the enclosed form with a reply slip if you would like to attend. Please don't forget to give your menu choices and return the slip by Friday 8th October 2010 to Mrs Lee Ault.
From the archives...
Broadstairs Folk Week
Issue 52 May 1990: “By now the winner of the 1989 Civic Award will have been announced and the award goes to Thanet Distict Council for their very tasteful and meticulous restoration of the Store on the Harbour Jetty.”
Many of us will be looking forward to another lively week of music, song and dance from Friday 6th to Friday
(Don’t forget to submit your nominations for 2010 Civic Pride Award using the enclosed form - Ed)