Cliftonville based community organisation GRASS Cliftonville CIC has launched a petition urging Thanet councillors to visit The Oval Bandstand and Lawns saying they have now been waiting eight months for a decision on a planning application to upgrade the site.
The application, which has been pending since December 7 last year, asks to make changes, including:
- The toilet block and store room to be renamed The Oval Pavilion and will be upgraded to include an events bar and a new café.
- Accessibility improvements will feature a seating terrace, covered areas, ramps, and handrails to ensure everyone can enjoy the space comfortably.
- Timber-clad shipping containers will provide food and drink concessions, a community bookshop, and essential staff facilities.
- A temporary perimeter fence will secure the area until December 31, 2026, with permanent park railings to follow
- A new wellness garden with a free outdoor community gym,
- The garden maintenance area will be upgraded with a storage unit and greenhouse.
GRASS believes these upgrades will improve community engagement and local amenities and provide new recreational opportunities.
But, they say, despite the application being validated nearly eight months ago, it remains unresolved.
The application is now scheduled for determination by the planning committee and GRASS is requesting that committee members visit The Oval before making a decision, saying this will offer a firsthand view of the proposed changes.
Simon Bell of GRASS Cliftonville CIC said: “At the start of this year, we were excited about launching our new café and ensuring daily public access to the bandstand amphitheatre. “Unfortunately, due to unexplained delays, these plans are on hold, impacting job opportunities for young people in our community.
“We remain optimistic, now that the application has been called in by the planning committee, and encourage councillors to visit The Oval to see the significant transformation from a neglected space to a vibrant community venue.
“This visit will highlight the proposal’s importance for The Oval’s future, its positive impact on the local economy, and the cultural life of Thanet’s residents and visitors.”
GRASS says the current administration at TDC need to address the delays in their next cabinet meeting and to provide clear explanations for the extended timeframe.
Stephen Darrer of GRASS Cliftonville is asking residents to sign the petition in support of their vision for The Oval: “By adding their signatures, residents can help accelerate the council’s approval of the application, paving the way for these essential improvements and bringing our revitalised community hub to fruition.”
‘Complexity of each application’
A Thanet council spokesperson said timescales for determination of any application depend on the complexity of the individual circumstances and the caseload of officers at that time.
They said: “The council works hard to process all planning applications in a timely and efficient manner.
“The timescales for determination will depend on the complexity of the individual circumstances of each application, as well as the caseload of officers at that time.
“This application is currently being considered and officers are reviewing the submission of additional information which was submitted by the applicant at the end of June.
“As the application falls within a public open space within a conservation area, it requires careful consideration by specialist officers. When cases are more complex then this will impact the timing of a planning determination. We are in touch with the applicants and will continue to keep them updated.”
A number of public submissions, both in support and making objections, have been lodged over the plans.
Objections include complaints about the ‘prison’ fencing and the siting of two 20ft shipping containers in a conservation area,
Supporters say the works will improve the site and offer wellbeing and cafe facilities.
Find the documents on Thanet council’s planning portal, reference F/TH/23/1614
Find the petition at: https://chng.it/HjgzPLPDtR
Plans submitted for eco-park, cafe, bar, wellness garden, outdoor gym, shipping containers and fencing at The Oval Bandstand and Lawns
