Margate Caves under threat

[barcrest]

I too had a letter, nice surprise that was.

[erclairedoc]

I had a letter too! Let's keep our fingers crossed for the outcome!

[jo.clarinet]

Have you all had your follow-up letter? I got mine today - they want interested parties to come to an evening meeting at some point (I won't be able to as I'm in London). From the plan of the development attached to the letter, it looks very much as though there will be no access to the Caves at all if the development goes ahead......

[Scotchie]

Please post the time/place if you can - I am sure representatives from the Kent Underground Research Group would be interested in attending.

[jo.clarinet]

The bizarre thing is that the letter doesn't give a time or place - it seems to be simply inviting people to express their interest......very peculiar when one has surely already expressed an interest by objecting in the first place!

They imply that they have a venue in mind by saying that space will be limited and thus attendance will have to be by invitation only - my immediate thought on that was that they want to limit the numbers of protesters and the strength of their feelings in the matter!

The letter states very plainly that the proposal will be building over the entrance to the Caves......

[erclairedoc]

This letter is in response to those who officially objected to the proposals for the site. I’m sure a suitable venue has been chosen and this letter is to see how many would like to explain their objections further in person. I hope to be one of those in attendance and I am pleased that our objections have been given the chance to be heard.

[Vince, Charlie and Sam]

I have just driven past the Caves and I noticed that an area at the front has recently been sectioned off with Heras fencing, behind which is a mini-digger, and wonder if anyone knows what might be happening?

[epiclyawesome]

Thanet County Council all over.

Let their town get into a state of dis-repair, so what do they do? Build an art gallery.. WTF.

Anyone in their right minds would of known Dreamland would of brought more visitors than that soon-to-be apartment complex.

The building on houses on the caves is just another point that shows how stupid the council are.

[Jim Douglas Jr.]

Would have = would've.

Take the council to task by attending their next meeting (they are open) and asking which one of them is profiting from it.

Seriously. Don't just sit and whine. Do something.
I would but I'm half way around the world.

[Lou]

Margate Caves

Consultation summary

15 representations were made. The majority objected to the disposal and development of this site based on the loss of the Caves themselves. Most wanted to see them retained as a tourist attraction for Margate and noted the historical significance of the site. Most suggestions for future use were ideas to enhance and re-open the Caves.

Response to consultation

Total representations: 15

Councillors: 4
Public: 11

14 oppose sale and development
1 supports disposal and development
One representation was made on behalf of Margate Civic Society
One representation included a petition of 2,592 signatures

Concerns raised

Caves are part of the Margate’s/Thanet’s heritage
Part of what makes Margate unique and such an important part of its history
Any building on the site would destroy the caves in the process
Loss of tourist attraction for visitors
Conservation area
Object to any infilling of Margate Caves
Bats in the caves – protected species
Margate needs it - lost shops and other attractions
Too many buildings/landmarks left derelict and handed over to developers for housing
Unlikely anyone will want to take on this complicated and potentially dangerous site
Suggestions for future use

The caves should be restored and developed
Retain the caves and use as a tourist attraction
Use as an opportunity to link in with the regeneration of Margate
Support proposal to seek a commercial operator for the caves after undertaking structural works
Funding should be found to repair and restore site
Establish Friends Group (like Dane Park)
106 agreement tied to any future development of Capital House should be explored in order to help with financing of cave restoration
Re-launch caves in time for opening of Turner contemporary – more tourists
Development would improve site

[Jim Douglas Jr.]

There ya go.
Looks like the council has said the caves should stay and not be built on.
Perhaps the fencing is for some restorative work, utility, or survey purposes.

[Vince, Charlie and Sam]

Well I still don't know what is going on, but as you can see from the before and after pics, the main entrance building has now been demolished by the mini-digger.








My guess is that this is not good news.

[Jim Douglas Jr.]

Let's hope it's being replaced by something more attractive. It looks like someone's backyard shed - and that sign... man, could that look any tackier?
The picket fence and slightly overgrown walkway smack of Grandma's house.

If these attractions are to have a future, they need to look up to the task.

This stuff should ALL be a matter of public record. Go down and see what permits have been pulled. Call your local council person. They're supposed to be representing YOU. Make them do that.

All the missing grass is sort of scary, unless it's all being replaced as part of the plan.

Who can look into this?

[Lou]

This may be the person to contact:

Contact us
Communications

Email:
hannah.thorpe@
thanet.gov.uk

Phone:
01843 577120

My email is not working at the moment - will try again soon.

[Lou]

SITE 16 – MARGATE CAVES

Doug Brown informed Members that discussions continued with interested parties and a scheme is being implemented to ensure the site is properly secured. Further developments have been deferred until Health and Safety issues have been resolved and the difficulties relating to access to the site. Local people and objectors were to be contacted in the next couple of weeks.

Also a lady called Claire is keeping us updated on Facebook - Go to Facebook.com and enter Margate Caves in the search bar...