Latest news on what is happening at Folkestone is on the BBC News web site here:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/kent/4525124.stm
Story as follows:
"Rotunda plan inquiry is ruled out
Controversial plans to build nearly 700 flats on Folkestone seafront, in Kent, will not be put to a public inquiry. Proposals for the site of the former Rotunda amusement park include 671 flats, a 150-bed hotel, restaurant, multiplex cinema and bowling alley.
Work on the scheme by Trent Development is now due to begin next summer after government inspectors said the plans did not breach planning regulations.
Protesters against its modern design have vowed to continue their campaign. The Save Our Seafront protest group was set up after Shepway District Council approved the plans in July. It believes the development is totally inappropriate for the area and that there has been a lack of public consultation. More than 2,000 people have signed a petition organised by the local action group."
Sarah
The Rotunda
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The Rotunda
by Sarah » 13 Dec 2005, 19:08
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Rotunda
by porterm » 13 Dec 2005, 23:53
Sounds like the normal old democracy prevailing here. I would not think that the location would be the optimum place to build apartment blocks, being so close to the sea. But then, if they sell, so be it I suppose. It wouldn't be my first choice for a property anyhow. One might just be too close to the sea for comfort!
I guess the Asda (?) superstore plan has been abandoned then. I'm a bit perflexed by what the "Save Our Seafront" group are seeking to achieve entirely. I thought no-one really cared much to protect the former fun park, or do they just want to see a more lowkey development (if any) taking place on the former Rotunda site?
I expect my friend Ian Mansfield, a near local, could fill us in with some more local news. I know he posted some interesting photos of the remaining derelict rides on site a while back. I'd also be interested to know if the old boating pool restaurant building was still intact. I remember back in the eighties when Mr Godden somewhat controversially filled in the old boating pool overnight to add some acreage to his amusement park area. (I used to live on Romney Marsh then).
Martin
I guess the Asda (?) superstore plan has been abandoned then. I'm a bit perflexed by what the "Save Our Seafront" group are seeking to achieve entirely. I thought no-one really cared much to protect the former fun park, or do they just want to see a more lowkey development (if any) taking place on the former Rotunda site?
I expect my friend Ian Mansfield, a near local, could fill us in with some more local news. I know he posted some interesting photos of the remaining derelict rides on site a while back. I'd also be interested to know if the old boating pool restaurant building was still intact. I remember back in the eighties when Mr Godden somewhat controversially filled in the old boating pool overnight to add some acreage to his amusement park area. (I used to live on Romney Marsh then).
Martin
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by Nick » 14 Dec 2005, 12:17
The 'Save Our Seafront' group has come along a little too late, I would say. Planning permission has already been granted. They should have started in early 2003 when we started our campaign, as that was when the plans were starting to appear in the Local Plan. I am sure it could have been stopped at that stage, or at least watered down. But I fear it is too late now.
I am surprised that the Council is allowing that amount of development in that location, as it breaks the current building line of the sea front and brings development into an area that has previously been kept relatively open.
Very odd. They must be desparate!
Nick
I am surprised that the Council is allowing that amount of development in that location, as it breaks the current building line of the sea front and brings development into an area that has previously been kept relatively open.
Very odd. They must be desparate!
Nick
Last edited by Nick on 14 Dec 2005, 22:49, edited 1 time in total.
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by Zoidstar » 14 Dec 2005, 12:41
Should it go-ahead I guess that will kill off any hope of the Shepway airshow comming back due to the regulations regarding proximity of buildings and people.
Wonder if Thannet/Margate will go-ahead again next year what with the demise of EUJet the main backer this year.
Wonder if Thannet/Margate will go-ahead again next year what with the demise of EUJet the main backer this year.
Zoid on!
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by porf » 14 Dec 2005, 12:46
If anyone's interested they have a website at http://sosfolkestone1.moonfruit.com/
They even have an anonymous poster on their message board that agrees with the redevelopment but won't tell anyone who they are
I agree that it seems too little too late and also smacks a bit of NIMBYism. No one started complaining about the redevelopment until the full scale of it was shown.
They even have an anonymous poster on their message board that agrees with the redevelopment but won't tell anyone who they are
I agree that it seems too little too late and also smacks a bit of NIMBYism. No one started complaining about the redevelopment until the full scale of it was shown.
Paul Freeman
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by Neil » 14 Dec 2005, 13:32
Well the person who seems to be really annoyed with Godden is the bloke who bought the cresent opposite. He was hoping to market it as flats with character and a sea view. He recons he loose a lot of money if Goddens plans go a head. I too am surprised that the council are willing to pass these plans and it does make you wonder what corruption going on. Apparently what finished off the ASDA plan was than an enquiry proved that the roads around that part of Folkestone are inadequate to cope with such a develoment. I was chuffed when I visited a couple of months ago and got one of the signs listing all the rides and height restrictions. When I visited there were a lot of signs although most in fairly poor conditions (the ones in good condition are now sitting in my bed room!) 
Neil Wilson
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by Sarah » 14 Dec 2005, 16:39
I sympathise with the SOS campaign, but my first reaction was also that they simply left it too late... and who's to say Margate wouldn't be in a similar situation by now without the Campaign?
Sadly, this is what happens when the council and developers think that no one is paying attention...
Sarah
Sadly, this is what happens when the council and developers think that no one is paying attention...
Sarah
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by porterm » 14 Dec 2005, 21:47
Well, as it's my birthday today (mid-forties, unbelievably!) I thought I'd celebrate, probably in the only manner possible tonight now due to a naff evening to go out, with my 200th posting. (I must put my profile up soon by the way).
Sadly. it seems this perhaps aptly named "SOS" Campaign is a little too late. Maybe a bit of local apathy could be to blame, although I'm quite sure that no-one could have envisaged the proposed redevelopment plans. I always thought that it would have been a strange location for a superstore as access to the area can indeed prove difficult. I expect some locals may now be kicking theirself for not setting up some objection to the original Rotunda redevelopment plans near to their original release now. The sight of a lowkey amusement park could now prove more conducive than the view they might now end up with.
Martin
PS I was never any real fan of the Rotunda park but I did enjoy it as a youngster years ago, however the original Rotunda arcade building was very unique (and possibly listed??) It's another seaside facility to be lost. I'm sure it will be missed. Folkestone will surely be the poorer for it.
Sadly. it seems this perhaps aptly named "SOS" Campaign is a little too late. Maybe a bit of local apathy could be to blame, although I'm quite sure that no-one could have envisaged the proposed redevelopment plans. I always thought that it would have been a strange location for a superstore as access to the area can indeed prove difficult. I expect some locals may now be kicking theirself for not setting up some objection to the original Rotunda redevelopment plans near to their original release now. The sight of a lowkey amusement park could now prove more conducive than the view they might now end up with.
Martin
PS I was never any real fan of the Rotunda park but I did enjoy it as a youngster years ago, however the original Rotunda arcade building was very unique (and possibly listed??) It's another seaside facility to be lost. I'm sure it will be missed. Folkestone will surely be the poorer for it.
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by Nick » 14 Dec 2005, 22:50
porf wrote:If anyone's interested they have a website at http://sosfolkestone1.moonfruit.com/
They even have an anonymous poster on their message board that agrees with the redevelopment but won't tell anyone who they are
I agree that it seems too little too late and also smacks a bit of NIMBYism. No one started complaining about the redevelopment until the full scale of it was shown.
I like the picture of Jimmy Godden, watching the protest from a safe distance!
Nick
Last edited by Nick on 15 Dec 2005, 09:07, edited 1 time in total.
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