Workshop 2
Issues for Thanet
Issue 1 – Government will set a minimum quantity of new
homes Thanet has to provide for to 2026. Should we aim to treat
this as a ceiling or floor figure? - Debated by three
tables
Opinion was divided between 1a - restricting
delivery to the minimum figure and option 1c - allowing more than
the minimum subject to criteria. In the former case, it was felt
that anything more than the minimum would see Greenfield land
sorely depleted while those in the latter camp pointed out that
population density was constantly changing and inherently
unpredictable and that allowing more than the minimum gave greater
flexibility. Infrastructure was a consistent point made throughout,
and that it needs to be agreed and put in place before development
of the homes themselves. Speculation on what information has
informed this minimum quantity suggests that people would like to
see a breakdown of the appropriate statistics and analysis to order
to appreciate the logic behind the government’s conclusions.
Issue 2 – Should we maximise use of
land in the urban area or use more Greenfield land? - Debated by
nine tables
General agreement that greenfield land should
be protected, with rare exceptions. If Greenfield development goes
ahead the fresh infrastructure needed would place stress on that
already in existence, although use of brownfield sites in built up
areas may result in congestion and ghetto culture. Family homes,
back gardens etc should be safeguarded. Any greenfield sites, and
development of same, should be assessed closely as to the effects
on its immediate surroundings and future sustainability.
Issue 3 – Some Greenfield land will
be needed for future housing. How will this best be accommodated? -
Debated by seven tables
Overriding consensus that any new greenfield
land required should, wherever possible, be restricted to the edges
and outskirts of existing towns and housing sites to minimise fresh
land take and discourage travel. Edges of Westgate and Garlinge
mentioned. Freestanding development in the countryside is
rejected.
Issue 4 – is it still appropriate to
pursue economic growth and diversification by protecting business
parks, the Airport, Ramsgate Port and other sites and premises for
employment use? - Debated by eight tables
There was some agreement that flexibility of
uses should be applied in the Thanet context and 4b (taking a more
relaxed approach to alternative/mixed use) received support. Some
concern at mixing business and housing but King’s Hill was
suggested as a good example of mixed-use development. It is a
difficult combination to get right. Economic growth is the key so
the priority must be getting businesses in; however, Thanet’s
location is seen as a barrier to this. A better rail service will
help reduce the district’s perceived isolation. However, an
argument exists that businesses will not invest unless the quality
of housing is improved. Development of Thanet College and impact of
Christ Church University seen as important to improve skills base
and allow local residents to take advantage of future employment
opportunities.
Issue 5 – How can we best manage our
built heritage and natural environment? - Debated by seven
tables
A key theme was that each town has its own
individual characteristics that should be promoted with any new
development respecting and complementing the look of the area.
Historic buildings should be protected, appropriate signage should
be more plentiful, and development of greenfield sites along the
coast is best avoided (though the counter-argument is that full
advantage should be taken of what is the district’s best asset and
development, to a certain extent, should be encouraged). Both
Ramsgate and Margate harbours are key sites in need of further
development to attract tourism.
Issue 6 – what is the future role of
Westwood? - Debated by eight tables
A recurring theme was the knock-on effect of
an expanded Westwood on the three main town centres. Generally felt
that any expansion of Westwood should focus on larger-scale ‘chain’
stores with the towns concentrating more on smaller, more
specialist shops. However some felt Westwood Cross still needed to
develop a full range of shops to fulfil its role. There was clear
concern that the road system is inadequate and would be a key issue
in the future. Public transport to, from and through the area is
also a primary concern. While the general consensus was that some
future expansion is inevitable, the current site as it stands could
be improved with parking and pedestrian access issues
addressed.