The site of the former Royal School for Deaf Children in Margate has been put forward for a potential 200 home development as part of Thanet council’s Local Plan review.
An update to the Thanet Local Plan – a blueprint for housing, business and infrastructure on the isle – has been extended to cover the period to 2040 – and includes the need for land/sites to accommodate an additional 4,000-4,500 dwellings.
The housing need calculated up to 2031 was for 17,140 new isle homes. But using the Government “standard method” the number to 2040 is 21,700 dwellings.
Last year the council launched a ‘Call for Sites’ in which developers, landowners and members of the public were invited to put forward potential land for development and/or open space.
Some 200 sites have been submitted for consideration including the former deaf school land at Victoria Road & Park Crescent, Margate put forward by Kent County Council.
The school was shut down suddenly in December 2015 after The John Townsend Trust, which ran it, went into administration.
The distressing closure of the school and Westgate College resulted in some 500 job losses and scores of children left without a specialist school placement.
The land had been earmarked for a new secondary school but last December this proposal was ditched for a second time by KCC following discussions with the Department for Education over the forecast of pupil numbers in the district.
The decision was taken after secondary student numbers in Thanet dropped below the levels predicted when the school was originally proposed in 2015.
Now KCC says: “Given the site is no longer being brought forwards for education use other development options are now being considered. Given the highly sustainable nature of the site within the urban area of Margate, residential development would appear logical.
“The site is a key opportunity to create a green pedestrian link through Dane Park and the site into Margate Town Centre with routes to the supermarket, the high street, the beach, and Margate railway station.
“Public open space could also provide greater community public outdoor space for the new and existing community. For example, with the incorporation of public open space, an outdoor gym, a children’s play area and a youth play area.”
In its submission the county authority suggest 200 homes could be built on the site, saying: “Individual dwelling design details are yet to be finalised. We propose a high-quality mix of dwelling appearances and materials to create distinctive place-making character areas within the development site, that take inspiration from the immediate local context.
(1) To the west of the site, lodge style detached houses with driveways and garage would positively contribute towards the existing conservation area.
(2) To the southwest of the site, three storey terraced townhouses would be in keeping with the dense terrace typology of residential housing to the south of the school.
(3) To the south and south east of the site, 2/2.5 storey terrace houses would be appropriate.
(4) Alongside public green space, the Central part of the site could have detached and semi-detached dwellings.
(5) To the east of the site, existing buildings owned by the client could be converted into 2 and 3 bed flats.
“The scheme aims to provide a balanced pattern of types and tenures of residential properties with the majority of new dwellings being 3-4 bed family houses. This will increase the proportion of family homes in the area, helping to attract and retain families living in the area.”
KCC says housing development could be phased over five years.
In terms of the 209 sites put forward Thanet council says: “The sites have not been selected yet. We’re reviewing them all now to see if they are suitable for the use that has been proposed.
“In September 2023, when we know which sites are deemed suitable for use, there will be a chance for members of the public to comment and share their views.”
The Royal School for Deaf Children was the oldest in the country, with the Margate site dating back to 1876.
