Guest 714- Registered: 14 Apr 2011
- Posts: 2,594
Of course money is the issue Andrew, hence the need for inward investment. I hate to think how much DDC has wasted in buying the land behind Castle Street which is a wasteland in prime position, its scandalous.
If you compare the scenario with Arsenal FC (as a Spurs fan it irks me to say this) they did what they had to, despite opposition to acquire the land for a new stadium and are reaping the benefits, if you go to Spurs they are undergoing a similar plan. Its clear to me that DDC doesn't have the ability to either attract investment or execute a plan, they are inept. McArthur Glen, Asda, Travelodge, the latest we hear is a cinema, its clear they don't have a clue and the people of Dover are suffering.
This is the scenario:
Investor: Do many people come to Dover?
DDC: 15m a year.
Yet nothing happens which begs the question - what on earth are these people doing? Professionals have knocked down buildings and built new ones all over the country, we seen incapable of that in Dover.
Brian Dixon
- Location: Dover
- Registered: 23 Sep 2008
- Posts: 23,940
evan if that figure is right,and they spent a quid each,that would equate to 15million quid over the year.
Brian Dixon- Location: Dover
- Registered: 23 Sep 2008
- Posts: 23,940
evan if it go's ahead there could be posatives for the western hieghts residents.
a regular bus service at least 2 an hour.a 61 bus route could service that.
the hotel if built should have a bar and restaurant western hieghts could make full use of this.
get an inward invesrment for a sports field and hall/changing rooms.
need I carry on.
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
agree with you about the 61 bus brian, there is a run down playing field up there that should have been made more use of - a total waste of a resource.
last time i went in there the place was full of dog toffee and off road motor cyclists.
Guest 975- Registered: 19 Jun 2013
- Posts: 28
Spot on David!
Like I've said before it doesn't take someone with a degree in Economics to understand what's going wrong! Time to get it right!
If for instance they managed to get someone like Vue cinema's interested in Dover look at all the franchises that follow them! Jobs, Jobs, Jobs!! Then a retail development to go with that would create more jobs and link the existing town will help to regenerate the existing High Street. People from Folkestone, Deal, Canterbury, etc would come to Dover for the cinema instead of Westwood Cross and Ashford! That is the sort of company they should be trying to attract.
Also improving the tourist attractions will bring more people in and more people will stop in Dover before getting the ferry.
Andrew
Guest 714- Registered: 14 Apr 2011
- Posts: 2,594
It frustrates me so much Andrew, the captive audience is enormous. The DTIZ should have a cinema, a casino, shops and restaurants, the High St could then house independent shops like the Old Town in Margate.
It would create loads of jobs and prosperity.
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
Guest 975- Registered: 19 Jun 2013
- Posts: 28
Let's hope this happens!!
I do believe the new St James development doesn't connect well with the existing town centre. This will cause issues for developing the High Street if there is no flow into the development.
I completely agree David, it frustrates me too! We should be more ambitious as a town.
Enough talk DDC, time for action!!
Andrew
Guest 714- Registered: 14 Apr 2011
- Posts: 2,594
Guest 937- Registered: 12 May 2013
- Posts: 145
Guest 944- Registered: 16 May 2013
- Posts: 57
Andrew, in post #133 you said:
"I would disagree that this area of Farthingloe is an AONB and it has no benefit to anyone in its current state."
Regardless of what it may look like (actually at the moment it looks pretty green, not your typical view of a 'brown field site'), it is a matter of fact that it is within the designated North Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This designation is supposed to provide protection of the highest order. So, for instance, when I applied for permission to stick a very modest conservatory on my house, I had to provide a design statement that explained why it wouldn't adversely impact the AONB. The CGI proposal is the largest development given approval inside a designated AONB anywhere, according the Council for the Protection of Rural England.
Nonetheless, I accept that some development (including some houses) could be accomodated there. But the only justification for as many as 521 houses is that CGI want to maximise their profits and most DDC councillors think that is the main consideration.
Question for those supporting this scheme:
Do you think that allowing developers to maximise their profits is the only consideration?
Or do you think the impact on the environment also merits some consideration along with benefits to the wider community?
If the latter, then that is what the planning process, and planning policy should be trying to achieve. If the former, then you really don't need any planning department at all.
Andrew Richardson
Guest 731- Registered: 8 Nov 2011
- Posts: 241
Ive been reading this on and off throughout the day and now have decided to air my views.
Firstly how many of you actually live in the Maxton area and actually overlook this beautiful as it is valley now. I purchased my house because of the village feel, great neighbours and stunning views. 500 plus houses built here is a joke with a town that is dieing around our ears. Im not going to preach about that as it speaks for itself.
Im not against sympathetic development but this amount can only ruin an area that is not just beautiful now but will be for future generations. Why do we have to cover all the nice green areas in concrete. Lets get what we have in order and worthy for anyone wanting to come and live in Dover before we build more. Whats happened about the Whitfield development.
I have seriously considered recently running for council as I feel the local councillors we have are totally out of touch with the real world. Sorry if I have offended anyone but hey Ive said it. However I'm probably to outspoken to be one
I know I am not alone with saying I dont want this but at the end of the day I seriously think we wont be listened to anyway thats if it ever comes along.
Leisure would have been better i.e golf course or even a community park.
Anyway rant over.
Im not before anyone says NOT IN MY BACK YARD. Just stop, look, listen and say do we want to lose this beautiful vista forever. I say NO
I am obviously just talking about Farthingloe. I wont even begin to give my views on Western Heights - yet!
Brian Dixon- Location: Dover
- Registered: 23 Sep 2008
- Posts: 23,940
and don't forget the 18 hole golf course being planned for that area to.
Guest 684- Registered: 26 Feb 2009
- Posts: 635
Hear hear, David B (and Dave Little).
For pity's sake sort out the dreadful, terminally embarrassing town centre first, before yet again bending over and taking it like a man from another bedazzling band of property speculators and profit-thirsty developers.
Have some sense of duty and care and imagination for once, instead of just prostrating yourselves before the god of filthy lucre again, we Dovorians absolutely beg of you.
Forza Dubris Libre.
Guest 975- Registered: 19 Jun 2013
- Posts: 28
David B
I live in Maxton have done since I moved to Dover nearly 20 years ago. The hills are great for kids growing up and exploring.
My memories of the area that will hopefully be developed and somewhat different to what people keep describing it as. Yes it looks green and who doesn't like a green field, however there is miles and miles of hills to explore. This area is perfect for building prime housing. Did anyone on here campaign/ complain as much when they decided to turn it into the Channel Tunnel village??
Dover attitude personified "NOT IN MY BACK YARD", I think there is already a Council filled with people that share your point of view. That's exactly why Dover is so depressed and they can't make a decision.
I'd like to know how an 18 hole golf course would be more beneficial to Dover? or another park.
#151 - Andrew, I think developers maximising profits its nothing to do with this scheme. The fact is Dover needs investment and anyone that's willing to show an interest should be encouraged and not scared off with strict planning conditions. I totally agree that the scheme needs to be suitable for Dover and I think it is I think it covers some key elements that Dover needs.
Who cares if the Developer makes a whole tonne of money, let's hope they do so it encourages more development, more job and more opportunities in Dover.
The existing houses in Maxton and Farthingloe weren't always there and I don't think they have had a detrimental impact on the environment. This valley has miles of green land that is far more beautiful than Farthingloe village.
If anything Building Contractors are more conscious of the environment now that ever before.
Andrew
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
a golf course gets a mention, there was one planned for farthingloe going back 6/7/8 years i cannot remember why it didn't happen though.
Guest 684- Registered: 26 Feb 2009
- Posts: 635
Development, yes, and maximising profits, yes, and regeneration, yes. But in the town centre, not yet again in the town's hinterland and green belt!!!
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
we need to be clear about the western heights part - only 40 dwellings and 9 of those will come from converting a derelict building. english heritage and s.a.m. have given their seal of approval.
Guest 731- Registered: 8 Nov 2011
- Posts: 241
Who cares what it looked like before. I am talking now not before and I care about how our land will look in years to come. More houses in this area is NOT needed. The Channel Tunnel village was temporary and not a permanent concrete jungle. Yes there are miles of hills to walk round but given the chance they will probably want to develop those.
I understand the argument that more houses brings more people to the town which will increase income generation etc. However look round you, what is DDC actually doing to improve the town to entice people to actually come here and settle. Folkestone seems to have pulled there socks up and done more. Surely the development in Whitfield is enough.
Im not going to go on and say anymore as I have made my views clear so I shall stand back and watch. However when all you can see instead of a beautiful view is roof tops and bricks dont come shouting oh I wish I had said something.
As I said I am not here to argue with anyone, I am just giving my views.
Guest 725- Registered: 7 Oct 2011
- Posts: 1,418
The area in question is, or at least some parts of it, are beautiful but hardly outstanding.`Three fellas with a clipboard probably spent the afternoon there many years ago and agreed that all the boxes were ticked. "Outstanding?" "Yep". "That's it let's go home".
This development is the last chance the town has of ever pulling itself up from where it is now.
It is a once in several generations opportunity to really do something to improve our long term future.
Unless you consider a giant television to equate to regeneration, which the local council seem to think is a once in a lifetime chance to invigorate the town, then I guess things will not only never move on but the town will die a long, lingering death.