Royal Esplanade, Ramsgate

Conservation Area Appraisal - April 2006

St Lawrence bandstand and tea pavilion

St Lawrence tea pavilion today		Sun shelter - Prince Edward Promenade

1. Introduction

Conservation Area Definition

"an area of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance" – Planning (Listed buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 s. 69 (1).

Royal Esplanade Conservation Area

Royal Esplanade Conservation Area (click to enlarge)

1.1 The definition and purpose of conservation areas.

It is the duty of Local Authorities to designate such areas and to use their legal powers to safeguard and enhance the special qualities of these areas within the framework of controlled and positive management of change.

1.2 The purpose and status of these appraisals.

The Royal Esplanade, Ramsgate was designated in 2006.

The scope of this appraisal is summarised in the following points:

1. Assess the special interest of the architectural heritage of The Royal Esplanade Ramsgate highlighting elements of special merit, which contribute to the character.
   
2. Assess the action needed to protect and enhance the special qualities of the Conservation Areas.

This document is not intended to be comprehensive in its scope and content. Omission of any specific building, space or feature or aspect of its appearance or character should not be taken to imply that they have no significance.

The methodology of the Conservation Area Character Appraisals for The Royal Esplanade Ramsgate follows the guidance provided by the Planning Policy guidelines 15: Planning and the Historic Environment (1994); the Guidance on Conservation Appraisals by English Heritage (2005).

The analysis has been conducted on the basis of visits to the area, the involvement of local associations, and with consultation of primary and secondary sources on the local history and architecture.

1.3 Summary of special interest

• The Royal Esplanade Ramsgate is situated in the historic maritime town of Ramsgate in Kent, part of the Cliffsend and Pegwell Ward.
  
  
• The landform is strongly defined by the presence of the Royal Esplanade and the Western Esplanade and by the relationship with the outer surroundings. The Conservation Area is almost entirely flat.
  
  
• The Conservation Area breaks down into two character areas
  
  Bon Secours
  The Royal Esplanade
  
  These areas are identified on the map
  “Royal Esplanade Conservation Area”.
  
  
• The C.A. has a very structured architectural heritage with buildings from the 1920. amenity development of the Royal Esplanade and the 18th House which now makes up part of the residential development “West cliff Park”.
  
  
• The former tea pavilion the club- house to the croquet and bowls clubs and the 18th house at West cliff Park are the most notable buildings in the CA.
  
  
• The boundary hedges to the Royal Esplanade amenity area and pockets of trees located at various points constitute an important part of the CA. character, as does the use of “clinker brick in boundary walling.
  
  
• The C.A. has a mainly open space amenity use mixed with small cafés and a small residential area “West cliff Park”
  
  
• Mix of construction materials but mainly painted concrete render slated or tiled roofs “crittel” and timber sash windows.

Next: Location and Setting

• Introduction
• Location and Setting
• Historic Development and Archaeology
• Spatial Analysis
• Character of the Conservation Area
• Summary of Issues
• Recommendations
• Planning and Policy Framework
• Glossary
• Bibliography

Planning Application enquiries

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