"The times they are a changing" or are they?

Sorry but my sixties roots are coming out in titles these days.
This is part of a press release put out by TDC about Bob's first sixty days.


"It does not make for an easy time, but already Mr Bayford is making his mark on the leadership of the council.
He intends to conduct a review of all properties and sites for sale under the council's asset disposal programme. Failure to listen to public opinion over the sale of sites, including Montefiore tennis courts and Albion House, was a criticism levelled at the last administration.
Mr Bayford pledged all sites on the list agreed for sale but not actually sold would be reviewed, but he warned: "It is entirely possible that we will end up concluding that the sale will go ahead anyway, but we will review each site."
He added: "The lengths that people are prepared to go to to protect these sites may mean that we have misjudged public opinion."
The review will consider the value of each site in light of the current economic situation and whether another use can be found for them by working with local people."

At last it appears that TDC are starting to listen. So far so good and I hope that a line is now being drawn under the last regime. No doubt "the answer is blowing in the wind" and bending a few ears or could it be letters like this one.

"To whom it may concern.
We are writing to object to the disposal of land adjacent to Barnes Car Park (west) Westbrook Promenade. We have lived in Westgate for 21 years now, and in that time have enjoyed walking our dogs along this area, and now they have passed on I like to sit and read my book while my husband fishes from the prom. This area is known for our bird life and nesting. I also see visitors having picnics and young children playing in safety.
Please do not take this away by developing this land.
Yours sincerely

Name and address supplied."

You Don't Know What You've Got Until its Gone

A pleasant walk on a summer's day. Its almost like being in the countryside. I hope you enjoy these pictures taken today.















The site was alive with insects and birds today. Several bees and assorted butterflies. Tried to get some pictures of the many grasshoppers but every time I got close they hopped it.

Make the most of this if TDC get their way it will be turned over to a developer.
Support WASPS Village Green Application and save this site.

Land Adjacent to Barnes Car Park

Consultancy report by WASPS: Economic and Social Study of Asset Disposal

Cost to TDC £0

Introduction

This parcel of land lies between two busy bays. It consists of chalk grassland and has a backdrop of interesting chalk cliffs. It is an informal green space which has become a haven for wildlife.
The coast where it lies has SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) designation and is adjacent to a European marine site. The recent Marine and Coastal bill has significant implications which require careful consideration of all coastal sites.
The land is in part an historic landfill site.
There is a high risk of flooding according to the Department of the Environment.
It is an important site for the Turnstone population that winter here and which use this land to roost on in bad weather.
The site is used extensively by local people for leisure activities like dog walking, bird watching, kite flying, etc. and it has well trodden paths by walkers. Dog walking is banned on the adjacent beaches during the summer.


Proposal for Disposal and Development

According to TDC’s Asset Manager the proposal is to lease this land but it cannot be a disposal unless it is in excess of 11 years. He states that the disposal would not be freehold or a long lease. For the purpose of this report we assume it to be a short term lease of 12 years.


Likely Development Potential

The potential for development of this site is minimal, if any, with the flood risk and suspected contamination of this land due to landfill.
Any development would also be heavily restricted by environmental issues and restrictions by Natural England.
“Site will not involve significant built development. Any use will be community related.” Thanet Matters issue 37. May/June 2008.
Any commercial enterprise would be ill advised to take on a lease any longer than 12 years due to rising sea levels; therefore the income would be low. Bearing in mind that the estimated freehold value of the Montefiore site in Ramsgate was £45,000, a 12 year lease on this land must be worth considerably less.
Any development would need planning permission and there would be considerable opposition from local residents.

Potential Costs of Disposal

1. Cost of dealing with contamination due to landfill £20,000.

2. Legal costs of lease £2000 (even if done in house).

3. Legal costs fighting Village Green Application £20,000. Based on HOOT enquiry. (There are 110 witnesses for this village green application).

4. Seeking permission from all the interested departments £2,000.

5. Any development will mean loss of vegetation on cliff face. This will destabilise the chalk cliffs requiring scarping. Cost £10,000.

6. If development later removed cost of reinstating site to prevent dilapidation. Cost £10,000.

7. Costs of Consultants, contract management and planning. £10,000.

Social Costs

1. Loss of an informal green open space which is enjoyed by many people for recreation. Thanet is poor in this area having less than half that recommended by English Nature. Destroying open spaces affects local resident’s health and well being.
2. There would be a loss to nature and the knock on effects on our survival and those of birds and insects important for natural balance.
3. Loss of an opportunity to create bio-diversity on this site involving the community and schools.
4. Overdevelopment of our coast will have a negative effect on more diverse tourism.
5. Likely to cause an increase in vandalism.
6. Rising sea levels will put demands on the council to increase the sea defences similar to proposals for Margate in order to protect site. If left alone this would not be necessary.
7. The cycle trail passes this site. Development would conflict with cycling and make the trail less interesting.
8. Loss of confidence in council and democracy in Thanet.

Conclusion

The figures given for costs are estimated and could be more or less but it is very likely that disposal of this land will cost considerably more than any likely financial gain.
I think questions should be asked as to the viability of this disposal. The council could be making a big mistake.

The residents of the surrounding area are very opposed to this development. They are one of the highest council tax payers in Thanet. Their demands are very few on the council’s resources. Would it not be beneficial if this land was preserved for their enjoyment and that of others?

If this land is left alone it will cost the council very little in maintenance. In fact it is likely that funding could be attracted to create biodiversity on this site.

It could provide an opportunity for community involvement.

Apart from the economic costs there are serious social costs.

It would be extremely difficult to develop this site in view of the need for wildlife protection, environmental considerations and other legally binding restrictions.


Balance sheet.

Likely cost of disposal £74,000


Even if the costs estimated are half it is probable that we end up with a loss to council tax payers.