Ramsgate Remembered

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

Engravings and Stylised Photos of Ramsgate

A couple of small albums have been added to the website. The first shows 30 views of Ramsgate published by Rock & Co. of London around 1870. Click HERE to view.

The second album is by Charles, Reynolds & Co., of London. The views are in a hard back album with fold out leaves. Click HERE to view the album.

For more of old Ramsgate visit RamsgateHistory.com

Report on State of Works at Ramsgate Harbour by Sir William Cubitt 1856

In 1853 Sir William Cubitt prepared an estimate for structural repairs to Ramsgate Harbour. In May 1855 Sir William was instructed by the Board of Trade to prepare a further report on the state of these works. This 6 page report details the state of works, reasons for cost overrun, progress made and expected future costs. Click HERE to read it.

For more of old Ramsgate visit RamsgateHistory.com

Report on the Royal Harbour of Ramsgate 1869

A report on the Ramsgate's Royal Harbour has been added to the RamsgateHistory.com website. The report was made to The Board of Trade by Captain Tyler, R.E., Captain W.H. Walker, and H.R. Williams, Esq. on the 5th June 1869

This fascinating document is in 24 pages and details a complete picture of the harbour at that time, including a brief history, condition and workings of the harbour, buildings & equipment, staff responsibilities, rates of pay, living accomodation, income, expenditure, schedule of rates, dues and charges levied, recommendations for cost improvements etc. etc. This is one of the most fascinating documents I have read on Ramsgate. Click HERE to read it.

For more of old Ramsgate visit RamsgateHistory.com

Royal Masonic Institution for Girls

Does anyone know of a Ramsgate significance for the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls? This 1930 Steward's badge is believed to have belonged to someone who lived and worked in Ramsgate.

For more of old Ramsgate visit RamsgateHistory.com

Ramsgate Sprint

For anyone interested in motorcycles, we're publishing photos of the Sunbeam Motorcycle Club's quarter mile sprint that was held on Ramsgate's western undercliff in conjunction with the Invicta MCC Ramsgate. This is an ongoing project and new photos will be added as they are scanned. Please email us if you can help identify any of the riders or machines.

The album can be found HERE

Can you identify this pub?

Can you identify this pub? The photo is believed to have been taken in Ramsgate in the late fifties or early sixties. The "Bob & Phil" sign says they appeared twice daily which may give a clue, and the large "shelf" is quite distinctive.

The lady playing the piano accordion wasn't a regular member of the band as she mainly played in Canterbury.
http://www.ramsgatehistory.com/forum/index.php/topic,143.0.html

Invicta Motor Cycle Club Photos

Whilst looking through the Invicta Motor Cycle Club’s paperwork I came across an envelope addressed to the Club with a London postmark of November 1972 which contained the following photos. Can anyone help with identifying the riders or venue? Does anyone have any more pictures or stories of the Club?