It could be a Local Plan, it could be a
Neighbourhood Plan but, most definitely, it must be a comprehensive plan. There
is one consensus of opinion in the town of Ramsgate, that the Eastern under-cliff
resembles a derelict bomb-site rather than a seaside resort or holiday
destination. However the proposed solutions vary from a skateboard park to a
restaurant on heritage slipways and other dubious, small minded drops in the
ocean.
Ramsgate has the best maritime frontage in the
country, King George IV proclaimed it so when he designated it “Royal” and no
other seaside town in the UK can boast that title. It is about
time Ramsgate started thinking Royal and not fourth division. We are saddled
with a council that believes the sun rises and sets over Margate and anything other than CT9 must be
trashed in case it competes with the new utopia.
Thanet, as a whole, could be a world class
resort for London day trippers and short stay visitors. Instead they turn their backs on
the East and head South or West to Brighton or the West Country. Thanet has as much to
offer, if it could shake off its “Eastenders” image, stop shafting everyone and
end up shafting itself.
The Pleasurama site should be re-designed as
flats, by a reputable developer, supported by a Flood Risk Assessment and the
numbers reduced to 80-90 units so they do not appear above the cliff top. These
high end residences will be in demand and bring many economic benefits to
Harbour Parade and the Town Centre. Wetherspoons or another reputable national
company (not an offshore company) should be welcomed into the Royal Victoria
Pavilion to spent £2-3 million on its restoration. The Maritime Museum and Ramsgate Slipways should be
combined into a new Ramsgate Maritime Heritage site with a development to rival
the National Maritime Museum at Falmouth in Cornwall and complement the Turner
Contemporary and Dreamland.
Add to this The Ramsgate Tunnels which are
progressing towards opening as a new tourist attraction and a suitable leisure /
residential development on the marina swimming pool car park. All this would
revive Ramsgate Waterfront to an extent that would attract visitors rather than
repel them, provide tourist income rather than be a burden to the taxpayer.
Thanet District Council is responsible for the whole of Thanet and Ramgate
residents have a right to demand similar attention to that lavished on Margate
Waterfront. (A tub or two of flowers would be nice!) It is
YOUR TAX they are spending whether it originates from TDC, KCC or Central
Government.
“Wouldn’t we just love it if a PLAN comes
together !”
