More than a dozen objections have been lodged against plans to build housing on the Thanet council depot by Pierremont Park in Broadstairs.
The district council wants to create four properties, made up of three terraced houses and a bungalow on the 0.2ha site.
Planning application documents describe the plot as “a brownfield opportunity to the south of the High Street in Broadstairs and to the east of the site is Pierremont Park.”
The site was previously a plant nursery and former TDC depot with existing sheds and a large single storey outbuilding from which TDC serviced its parks and gardens across the district.
The use of the yard and buildings has been reduced over recent years as a result of landscaping works being outsourced. The buildings have not been occupied for a number of years and the site untidy.
Documents say: “ As the site is largely vacant, it represents an underutilised brownfield asset in the heart of Broadstairs.”
Planning documents on behalf of Thanet council, which is the applicant as well as the decision-making local authority for planning applications, say trees will be retained “where possible” but some will also be removed from the site perimeter with “replacement planting of hedgerows and trees secured by planning condition.”
Each property will be allocated one parking space. The number of bedroom per property is unclear as it has been listed as three 3-bed and one 2-bed but documents then state it as three 2-bed and one 3-bed.
The development will include the demolition of the existing out-buildings.
But, there have been concerns raised about issues including access. Many of the objections highlight that the development site has only one access route, via the pathway from the park entrance to the site.
One says: “This path is regularly used by pedestrians, including families, elderly residents, and tourists, especially during the summer months. Increased vehicular traffic in this area poses significant safety risks to the public and may lead to further encroachment into the protected space to create a safer access route.
“ Additionally, there is already traffic using the main pedestrian access, which increases congestion and safety risks for those who rely on this route daily.”
The environmental impact has also be raised with one objection saying: “The proposed development threatens to alter the character of the area by reducing green space and increasing traffic congestion.
“Pierremont Public Park is a vital green space for the community, providing essential recreational and environmental benefits. Any development that compromises the integrity of this space should be reconsidered.”
Hume Planning Consultancy, on behalf of TDC, says: “ The terrace proposal will enhance the character of the area, by providing an active street frontage and removing the dilapidated sheds and outbuildings on site which detract from the character of the area.
“The proposal will also replace the existing hardstanding with more internal landscaping which will be sought at the reserved matters stage.”
It is understood that Broadstairs and St Peter’s Town Council had hoped to take over the site for its own projects.
A decision on the application has not yet been made. Details can be viewed on Thanet council’s planning portal, reference OL/TH/25/0037
I’ve a better idea: extend the park! Unlike Margate/Cliftonville (and to a certain extent Ramsgate), Broadstairs has very little green space.
In your dreams! Extend any park land in Thanet ha ha. I see what councillors vote for and it never involves park land
I would imagine the deal is “done and dusted “ any discussion now will just be lip service.
Ideal spot for a plant nursery and maybe the community centre thst was proposed 15 years ago.
Perfect use of a disused piece of land.
Well done TDC