Friday 10 June 2016

Stone Hill Park apply for planning

Well Mr Cartner and Mr Musgrave have applied for planning permission and if you are up to it the files can be downloaded from TDC here (downloads) With typical lack of manners the stalwarts in SMA have been objecting in their droves however they need to understand "airport, airport" is not a reason that will be accepted.

In summary what the developers are trying to achieve will benefit more people in Thanet than a cargo hub will ever do.
In Summary the proposal will comprise
"The proposed development comprises 6 key components: (1) residential; (2) employment; (3) sport/recreation facilities; (4) museums/cultural heritage uses; (5) village centre; and (6) open space. The intention is that these components will function as an inter-dependent mutually beneficial mix of uses that complement and support one another and create an integrated mixed use new community. Critically, the aim is to blend this mix of uses with the site’s heritage, high quality design, effective estate management, sound environmental practice, and a focussed delivery strategy to create a high quality and distinctive new place which firmly accords with sustainable development principles"

Housing


The housing (use class C3) component of the development will comprise a mix of sizes and types, ranging from 1-5 bedrooms and including apartments and houses. An indicative unit size mix is provided within the Planning Statement, which comprises:
One bed: 10-20%
Two bed: 30-40%
Three bed: 30-40%
Four+ bed: 15-20% 
The application proposes that up to 250 of the residential units can be provided as age-restricted C3 or C2 units (for elderly persons). These could comprise a number of products including retirement housing, extra-care/assisted living, residential care, residential nursing (or a blend of products provided as a retirement ‘village’). 

The housing component of the development will include a mix of tenures. The Initial s.106 Heads of Terms and Viability Appraisal (ref. SHP1-12) proposes that 15% of C3 residential units will be provided as affordable tenures, to comprise 60% Intermediate tenures and 40% Affordable Rent (Intermediate tenures to comprise Shared Ownership and Discount Market Sale/Starter Home). The affordable proportion and product mix will be controlled by a s.106 planning obligation.


Employment
 

The employment uses are intended to focus on an ‘Advanced Manufacturing Park’ and therefore it is intended that the majority of floorspace will be taken up for B1(c) and B2 uses. This will comprise a high quality managed/serviced environment which is intended to
complement the existing employment offer at Manston Business Park. This will involve the reuse of some retained existing buildings and the provision of new development (including 10,244sqm of new floorspace as part of Phase 1, which comprises the detailed element of the application). B1(a) uses are restricted to the ‘Village Centre’. 

 Social Infrastructure
 

The proposed development includes the provision of up to 11,500sqm of D1/D2 uses plus up to 2 primary schools with a combined capacity of up to 4-forms of entry. It is anticipated that the D1 allowance will include a community centre and GP surgery, provided within the Village Centre, which are intended to satisfy the social infrastructure needs generated by the proposed development (as assessed in the Social Infrastructure Assessment provided in the ES).
The primary schools will be located either within the Village Centre or residential areas (most accessible parts of the site which benefit from complementary adjacent uses, and within walk distance of most/all homes). 

 Sport/Recreation/Play
 

 A strategy for the provision of outdoor sport/recreation and play facilities to meet the needs of future residents is provided in the Design and Access Statement (ref. SHP1-3). This commits to the provision of 6ha of playing fields, 3 Neighbourhood Equipped Areas for Play (NEAPs), 4 Local Equipped Areas for Play (LEAPs) and 27 Local Areas for Play (LAP). We propose that a Sports and Play Scheme is prepared/submitted to the LPA for approval prior to the commencement of development (secured by condition). We note that these outdoor sport/play facilities form part of a network of around 100ha of publicly accessible open space (as controlled by the parameter plans), including the part-retained runway which is anticipated to provide a unique outdoor recreation resource.
The planning application allows for up to 11,500sqm of D1/D2 uses (which includes indoor sport and recreation uses). The intention is that this will allow for the provision of small scale sport/recreation facilities to meet the local needs of residents/workers. In addition to this it allows for the provision of a regionally significant sports facility (the applicant’s aspiration is for this to be an indoor swimming pool)
Further to this, the application allows for the provision of an outdoor ‘recreational surface water body’ and associated built facilities to be provided. The Applicant’s aspiration is that this will comprise a man-made surf lake (a ‘wave garden’) which it is anticipated will function
as a regionally significant visitor attraction. The vision is that the co-location of this with the proposed swimming pool and some of the outdoor sports/recreation facilities will allow for the establishment of a base for multi-sport activities such as triathlons. 





 The above screen grabs are from the very extensive community consultations.

The public can comment on the proposals so as it was open to all I decided I would make a few comments.


With reference to Final_Thanet_Preferred_Option_Draft_Local_Plan pages 21,
“Strategic Priority 1 - Create additional employment and training opportunities, to strengthen and diversify the local economy and improve local earning power and employability.”
And  “Support the sustainable development and regeneration of Manston Airport to enable it to function as a local regional airport, providing for significant new employment opportunities, other supporting development and improved surface access subject to environmental safeguards or as an opportunity site promoting mixed-use development that will deliver high quality employment and a quality environment.”
To emphasise the last part “or as an opportunity site promoting mixed-use development that will deliver high quality employment and a quality environment.” This is further confirmed on page 32 with the following policy.
Policy SP05 – Manston Airport
The site of Manston Airport and the adjoining area will be designated as an “Opportunity Area” for the purposes of preparing the Manston Airport Area Action Plan” Development Plan Document. The Manston Airport AAP will explore through the development plan process the future development options for the site of the airport and the adjoining area. A consideration of the AAP should be the retention, development and expansion of the airport and aviation operations where supported by a feasibility study and a viable Business Plan, while exploring alternative options for the future development of the area for mixed-use development.
I contend that the soft marketing exercise has confirmed that no aviation related business wants the Manston site and furthermore in the 22 months whilst Price Waterhouse Cooper marketed the site no aviation related business wanted it either.
It is past time when TDC planning worked out that aviation is doomed to fail on this site because of its geographical position and it’s time to make a choice between failure and success. Whether to develop the site for housing and industrial use has always been a political decision and it shouldn’t be that way. Planning had already advised that change of use for some of the existing building should be granted yet here we are again.
Housing
Page 18 of the proposed local plan states:
“The levels of development proposed within the draft Plan are based upon robust and up to date evidence of the needs of the district. Thanet’s population is expected to grow significantly over the next 20 years, and new homes and jobs are required to support this. The overall strategy aims for an optimistic and aspirational level of economic growth necessary to bring about the step change that is required in the district. It also aims to deliver the right number and mix of housing required alongside such growth, as well as delivering new open space, and protecting and improving the quality of Thanet’s existing built and natural environment.”
Further it says:
“It is recognised that any growth in Thanet must be supported by the necessary infrastructure, such as roads, schools and health facilities. The Plan aims to take a co-ordinated approach to delivering such facilities alongside new development, and the Council has and will continue to work with other agencies, organisations and service providers to ensure that this is achieved.”
“Strategic Priority 3 - Provide homes that are accessible to, and suited to the needs and aspirations of, a settled and balanced community”
“Objectives:
·        Plan for sufficient new homes to meet local community need so that, irrespective of income or tenure, people have access to good quality and secure accommodation.
·        Meet the housing needs and demands of a balanced and mixed community and to support economic growth.
·        Safeguard family homes and the character and amenity of residential areas.
·        Increase the supply of affordable homes.
·        Improve the environment and the quality and mix of housing in areas needing revitalisation to restore mixed and confident communities.
The plan submitted will provide 2500 homes maintaining the same strategic mix as identified in the new local plan and will reduce the pressure of Greenfield sites thus preserving the green lung centred on the airport. Further the availability of opening up the land surrounding the runway will also increase access because for 98 years the land has been fenced off to the general public.
Currently the local plan needs 15660 new dwellings completed by 2031 and with the, just under, 4000 already built or granted planning permission Thanet needs 800 completions a year. With the 2500 proposed for Stone Hill Park that reduces the need to 600 completions a year massively reducing the pressure for greenfield site development.
This 2500 includes affordable homes, units for retirees, one, two and 3 bed dwellings and aspirational homes all centred round a village “high street”, incorporating two primary schools, a Medical Centre, and transport links. With additional transport links to Manston Parkway proposed and links to Westwood Cross the Council’s preferred shopping centre this will form a balanced land use for the former airfield.
Recreational use
With the removal of fences round the airfield and the development of 230 acres of parkland incorporating footpaths and cycleways this will transform this area into an accessible green site for many.
Adding to this is the addition of a sports village with facilities such as football pitches, tennis courts, an Olympic sized swimming pool, and should it be developed a wave pool. This will transform Thanet into a “must see” sports centre, not just for the local but for the wider community in HeneBay, Canterbury and Ashford.
Employment
With the development of an industrial park on site it is hoped that the need for the 16-29 age group commuting out of Thanet to find work will slow and reverse. This aspirational age group needs work much closer to home. Many find it difficult to find the right job locally and school leavers and college leavers have nothing local to provide that level of salary and vocational need.
With the addition of a high Tech industrial park colleges and sixth forms will be able to find the right apprenticeships to support employment closer to home. The success of the Developers in turning round the fortunes of Discovery Park show that have to business acumen to succeed.
Conclusion
This development could transform East Kent but only if the local council can seize the moment and realise that Manston as an airfield is doomed to failure. Sometimes in life these moments come along and politicians need to put aside their differences so that the people of Thanet can move on in their lives.
It also will go a long way to replenishing TDC’s coffers after the reserves were depleted by actions before the present incumbents took over."
                    


26 comments:

  1. Wish them well with this plan.

    ReplyDelete
  2. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Replies
    1. Here here as I agree with Richards comment if that's OK with your good self 21:56.

      Delete
  4. All the airport supporters have been briefed on the Leo basis on which to object quoting all the relevant issues. Doubt the antis are as well organised so expect the plans will be rejected by all especially DIG who will no doubt turn up to vote. So it will then go to appeal.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anon 09.32 above, Leo should be legal

      Delete
  5. No Planning should be given until the D.C.O is decided Yes or NO

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. why on earth should a mickie Mouse application to government for a NSIP hold up job creation in Thanet. Anon 19:23 you must be brain dead

      Delete
    2. Enough time has been wasted, the DCO will come to nothing, move forward and let Thanet progress, not continue to stagnate, trying to save a past that is long since gone.

      Delete
  6. The DCO is just another trick by RO&co to say they have been trying by any means to save the closed airport site in the name of NSIP and bring untold jobs? to the area;all this is backed up by sir Roger Gale who is hell bent on looking after himself and hes mates.This all started with Gale sticking up one Tony Freudmann to 'give the airport a go'David Smith CBE informed me that there were over interested partys at the time Freudmann made the failed bid in 2014, sir Roger never even entertained the possibility of anyone but Annex aviation get hold of the site and to this day he still backs hes mate Freudmann who is part of RivernoOaktrees.All this hard work they have ALL put in will come down to a court case Riveroak will demand compo for this&that and get nothing.HD.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Barry, your mate Adem Mehmet has just posted that the DCO planning team have said that the DCO will be taken into account when deciding the planning appeals to be heard in July.

    ReplyDelete
  8. My mate :)
    How would he know?
    He has the fine distinction of being banned from both sides of this debate

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. He claims to have email correspondence with the PI department responsible for the appeals.

      Delete
  9. Planning Inspectorate Section 51 advice page restored now after I emailed the Inspectorate to report that only 3 advice entries had been showing

    My advice is be wary of questions which are based on areas of Thanet being "Most affected". The air pollution will not restrict itself to particular areas.

    ReplyDelete
  10. The DCO can't be taken into account when deciding the planning appeals, because it hadn't been initiated when the decisions were originally made. The appeal will deal with whether the decisions were correct at the time. In any event, the intention to submit an application for a DCO is very different from actually submitting it. To date, RiverOak has submitted nothing and, even on their best estimates, they won't be submitting anything until the end of the year. The appeal has to be decided long before then.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Correct Anon 11 04. Except maybe the applicant as current holder of the airport S106 agreement could seek to now disqualify it for a number of reasons including TDC dodging statutory Planning Law public health and environmental impact assessment in its creation.

      Delete
    2. I don't think the Section 106 agreement is relevant to the appeal. It wasn't cited as a reason for rejecting the application and so there is no need for the inspector to look at it. The key issue will be whether it is reasonable for the council to have relied on saved policies from the out-of-date local plan when those saved policies are themselves out of date. You can't turn down planning applications for a new development on the grounds on the grounds that you would like to see someone reopen an airport on the site. If this were legal, councils would be able to block almost any type of development from occurring anywhere.

      Delete
    3. As I understand it Stone Hill Park are applying to TDC for planning consent. The precautionary principle appears to be mandatory in its application. IE That Stone Hill Park is the best option consistent with public health and environmental impact. TDC could refer to its aviation use statutory planning law public health and environmental health study ..... cept they dodged doing those studies.

      Although Riveroak are at pre-application stage they will, if they make application, have to account for how they dealt with public concerns brought to their attention at this stage plus at the formal consultation stage yet to come. If they are unable to satisfy the inspectorate that they have taken concerns into the "Front loading of the application their application will be rejected.

      If by that stage SHP have triggered precautionary principle in their planning application they can cancel the S106 agreement on their site for aviation use.

      Delete
  11. Richard, how do SHP trigger precautionary principle and thereby cancel the S106 agreement ? Is it possible to post a copy of the S106 agreement on here ?

    ReplyDelete
  12. I see RO are hard at work with their scooping report out! I shall print of a copy as it will come in handy when I walk the dog as the perfect scooping tool.HD.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Paragraph 2 of article 191 of the Lisbon Treaty states that


    "Union policy on the environment shall aim at a high level of protection taking into account the diversity of situations in the various regions of the Union. It shall be based on the precautionary principle and on the principles that preventive action should be taken, that environmental damage should as a priority be rectified at source and that the polluter should pay."[17]

    After the adoption of the European Commission's Communication on the precautionary principle, the principle has come to inform much EU policy, including areas beyond environmental policy. As of 2006 it had been integrated into EU laws "in matters such as general product safety, the use of additives for use in animal nutrition, the incineration of waste, and the regulation of genetically modified organisms."[18]:282–83 Through its application in case law, it has become a "general principle of EU law


    That is borrowed from Wiki. It seems to me since 2000 the application of precautionary principle is a statutory requirement. The 106 agreement with Wiggins after 2000 (the year Roger Gale concealed Thor and Sericol air and water contamination from Commons in his address about Foreland outfall) we know that a "Determined group" of TDC cllrs and officers pushed through the S106 for Manston by dodging statutory environmental impact study of planning law. They then appear to have come up with a certificate of lawfulness of the 106 as a way to sustain the airport operation.

    It is up to SHP if they want to take this strategy. Maybe they think they don't need to.

    Riveroak have now put their scoping report to Planning Inspectorate. The relevant bits are around page 50. Which looks reasonable but does not mention precautionary principle. They appear to be reliant upon meeting national standards of air quality. By the look of it they claim Thanet has had good air quality. But they make no mention of the mystery why Thanet has highest COPD rates in UK. I emailed Riveroak solicitors to ask about this and copied it to Roger Gale and Planning Inspectorate.

    It seems to me it has been TDC for many years who have broken Environmental and Public Health law by covering up the water and air pollutions and by failing to inform public and by failing to apply precautionary principle which includes the principle that polluter pays.


    ReplyDelete
  14. Richard, have you shared with SHP how they might be able to terminate the S106 arrangement. Think they'd be very interested.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SHP Ray Mallon never answered me. I would think they are confident RO will get nowhere. And maybe they want to avoid the awful Thanet public health and environmental pollution facts too ? After all they ain't the ones proposing filling the air with airborne lung irritant particulates for the area that already has highest COPD rates in Britain.

      Delete
  15. Indirectly,Stone Hill Parks 80% will have to 'Get rid' of the S106 problem,part of the deal I would imagine,all done in a round about way,Two birds one stone.

    ReplyDelete
  16. P.S When you buy an airport you take on ALL problems as well as ALL profits.

    ReplyDelete