High winds today (December 9) have destroyed the Sacketts Gap ‘garage’ in Margate.
The structure, known as the boathouse, has completely collapsed with just the Kent Peg roof almost intact.
The Palm Bay building, and land it stands on, were listed on Friday as one of the properties Thanet council proposes to sell off.
It is understood it may remain on the asset list but purely as land rather than the building. A decision on whether to keep it on the list is expected soon.
The asset disposal document, which Thanet council Cabinet members will discuss on December 16, says : “Garage in poor condition after suffering continuous vandalism and arson in recent years.
“Let out historically but vacant for the past couple of years. Due to its poor condition no further interested tenants have been found. The structure requires significant repair works. No income generated.”
The structure had a large hole in it and it is believed several people living on the street would sometimes use it for shelter.
A Thanet council spokesperson confirmed the collapse was due to high winds and the site has been secured. Further comment will be issued shortly.
Read here: Italianate Greenhouse among sites proposed for council sell off
More likely due to lack of maintenance.
So he huffed and he puffed and he blew the house down.
Another building of great character allowed to fall down.
How many more will follow?
As long as there is money for pontoons and refurbished/new council offices
Surprised it was not set fire to by vandals!
Few quids worth of kent pegs will no doubt vanish without trace after the council pays someone to clear the mess.
Its a lovely little building. Imagine what a mess this county would look if the councils in history behaved like this.
Basic maintenance neglected by Thanet council- needed on so many shelters-the council do not do basic repairs the buildings fall in disrepair then the council say it uneconomic to repair-we have seen it all before in Minnis Bay where the shelters fell to pieces for want of a lick of paint
I don’t think even TDC can be blamed for the high winds.
Andrew, no one does, but its surely a basic responsibility to maintain ones property so as it doesn’t represent a hazard to others.