Central Government Policies Protect Our Heritage

As I understand it the Heritage Policies of the now expired Local Plan definately no longer apply. Until a new Local Development Framework is in force the only guidance now comes from the Communities and Local Government section of central government, and in particular Planning Policy Statement 5: "Planning for the Historic Environment" which can be found HERE.

Having had a quick look at this it appears far less specific in its policies and doesn't appear to offer anywhere near as much protection as the now expired Local Plan. The period for submitting comments relating to the slipway development ends next week.

Local Plan no longer protects our Heritage?

Whilst researching my response to the application for Listed Building Consent at the Ramsgate Harbour slipways, I’ve realised that the heritage aspect of this site may not have the protection I thought. As part of the transitional arrangements from the old Local Plan to a new Local Development Framework (LDF), the Local Plan expired on 17th June 2009 and only those policies that have been saved by the Secretary of State's direction will continue to be part of TDC’s Development Plan.

The policies relating to Heritage that HAVE NOT BEEN SAVED include the following:

HE1 - LISTED BUILDINGS OF SPECIAL ARCHITECTURAL OR HISTORIC INTEREST
HE2 - CHANGE OF USE OF LISTED BUILDINGS
HE4 - PLANNING CONTROLS IN CONSERVATION AREAS
HE5 - CONSERVATION AREA CONSENT
HE6 - DEMOLITION IN CONSERVATION AREAS
HE7 - NON-LISTED BUILDINGS IN CONSERVATION AREAS

The Local Plan (as amended) can be read here: http://thanet.devplan.org.uk/

It appears the ability of the Council to consider this application from a Heritage point of view has become extremely limited as a result of deleting these policies. If this is the case, this will not have been lost on the developers and other interested parties, which in my opinion makes it even more imperative to have your say. To voice your opinion, go to the UK Planning website at http://www.ukplanning.com/ukp/councilSelect.do?council=Thanet+District+Council and then select Search Applications from the left hand menu. When the new screen appears enter 10/0736 as the Application Number. You will then be given the chance to comment from the Summary section.

Plans to Enhance or Degrade our Royal Harbour

Thanet District Council has received a planning application for a restaurant complex to be built between the Clock House and Slipways at Ramsgate Harbour, and close to the Royal Victoria Pavilion. The Clock House is a Grade II* Listed building and I understand the slipways have some form of protection, although I can’t find them on the online register. I would urge you to take a look at these plans and have your say through the UK Planning website or any other effective means. This is a development at the heart of Ramsgate which will either greatly enhance or degrade one of our most important assets.
Links to the application and more info. can be found HERE