Consultation process

Stage 1: Consultation with Ward Councillors

2 October – 16 October 2009

• Full disposal schedule sent to all Ward Councillors.  List contained all 20 properties scheduled for possible disposal for 2009 -10.  17 of these sites were proposed for sale and subject to full public consultation.  Three sites did not require further consultation as a decision to dispose had already been taken. 
• Consultation document included maps and aerial photographs of the sites and a full written summary.
• Ten working days allotted for Councillors to comment on schedule.
• Feedback noted as part of formal consultation

Stage 2: Full public consultation

Monday 27 October - Friday 5 December 2009

• Leaflet sent to adjacent properties around each of the 17 sites – A4 booklet with details on all 17 sites, photographs of the sites, a summary of the proposed use and details on how to take part.  Boundaries for mail drop determined by criteria as set out in planning process.
• Posters on and around assets.
• Radio and newspaper coverage from all of the local media.  Press briefings held to provide more detailed information on the Asset Management process and on the proposals for the 17 sites.  Briefings helped to generate more high profile coverage throughout the consultation period.  Press releases were issued, before and during the process to encourage greater level of awareness and participation in consultation.   
• Thanet Matters double page feature in November/December 2009 edition.  Information provided on all 17 sites and details on how to take part.
• Web site coverage with all the details as above.
• Consultation drop in sessions held in Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate.  Sessions held to allow members of the public to view more detailed plans for the site, speak with council officers and to register any comments or concerns.  The meetings were held during late afternoon/early evening to ensure those who work during office hours could attend.  Venues were chosen in each of the towns for convenience to residents.
• Ward Member involvement.  All Councillors were invited to attend the consultation drop in sessions with residents.

Stage 3: Extraordinary meeting of the Cabinet

Friday 20 February 2pm Council Chamber

• All respondents to consultation invited to attend meeting to submit any verbal representations to councillors.
• Up to three speakers permitted to speak on each of the sites, for a period of three minutes.  Speakers to be allocated on a first come first served basis.
• Representations to be recorded and a summary added to the consultation report following the meeting

Stage 4: Final Cabinet decisions

Thursday 6 August 7pm Council Chamber

• Report submitted to Cabinet outlining recommendations for each of the sites. 
• Cabinet Members then required to make a decision on each site.

Next: Response rate

Communications

Email:

hannah.thorpe@
thanet.gov.uk

Phone:

01843 577120