Guest 697- Registered: 13 Apr 2010
- Posts: 622
28 September 2010
18:4972854Whilst the works at Dover Priory have improved the general look of the place, I can't help thinking we've missed the real point. With the introduction of the high speed service to London, we should have increased car parking not reduced it! It's evident that the car park is full most week days. Don't get me wrong, this is a good sign in that hopefully it means people are using the service and we're attracting some high paid London commuters. But if we're to attract more, parking at the station needs to be urgently addressed. You only need to look at the station car parks further up the line to realise the potential. Let's hope the powers-that-be can come up with some alternatives soon. What about the derelict warehouse building next to the HM Customs facility? You could get a fairly decent size car park there.
28 September 2010
19:0572855Kevin
Couldnt agree more.
In the early days of the Priory scheme I suggested the site you mention being either a dedicated multi-storey car park with direct access to the station thus releasing the limited car parking in front of station for improved bus area (better rail/bus facility with for example busses being extended from Pencester). I recall someone else raised this on the forum as they gave example of almost impossible to get to Whitfield etc. Or indeed a full rail/bus interchange. Was not possible because of lack of funding but said could be looked at in the future.
I see that the site is a car park.I think now owned by Target Follow who used to own the car park at the Charlton Centre.
No doubt one of our forum members will enlighten.
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
28 September 2010
19:3072858i thought that the car park mentioned by pat was doing good business and at the same time alleviating the lack of parking at the station.
in defence of the station it is visually stunning compared to how it was, signposts and information boards abound and there are loads of spaces for bicycles.
it really does not compare with it's seedy predecessor.
Guest 660- Registered: 14 Mar 2008
- Posts: 3,205
28 September 2010
20:5772873I understand a company were operating there under another Company's name and without planning permission,and were told to stop,I think the Railway were hoping to buy this land which I am sure they used to own,but gone very quiet.
If you knew what I know,we would both be in trouble!
Guest 703- Registered: 30 Jul 2010
- Posts: 2,096
28 September 2010
21:3472877Living in Lydden we've worked out that for a day trip it's easier and takes about the same time to drive to Folkestone for the high speed train, plenty of free on-street parking nearby in reasonable areas where you can expect a complete car when you get back. For longer trips we go to Dover by bus anyway so not a problem.
Ross Miller- Location: London Road, Dover
- Registered: 17 Sep 2008
- Posts: 3,680
28 September 2010
21:4172879For now Ray - but I understand the locals are getting ticked off about it
"Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today." - James Dean
"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength,
While loving someone deeply gives you courage" - Laozi
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
28 September 2010
21:5972883i seem to remember the folkestone herald publishing an article on the subject of commuters taking over all the parking spaces in that vicinity.
not dissimilar to the situation in clarendon road.
29 September 2010
08:3972906The site itself is so much better, though, isn't it?! Really attractive. My only tiny issue with the station is that the loos still have solid soap....only a small thing but icky!! So unhygienic, especially in modern times.......you take away memorable impressions from the loo!!
But the whole aspect is nicer now, right from the college.
Guest 690- Registered: 10 Oct 2009
- Posts: 4,150
29 September 2010
15:2072966Always found the parking spaces daft Kevin, the time`s I`ve got an earlier train to get a parking place, otherwise, have to try the sister`in law`s driveway round the corner.
Tell them that I came, and no one answered.
Karlos- Location: Dover
- Registered: 1 Oct 2012
- Posts: 2,385
Sure there's a more recent thread than this...
Anyway, noticed this morning that there's work going on at the old Rail shed/EVR workshop. Looks like demolition has started.
Quite a lot of everybody's friend Neil Rix's skips on site.
(Seems Kevin Charles post 1 had the right idea, if it ever happens)
Guest 1385- Registered: 27 Oct 2014
- Posts: 322
Can someone enlighten me on this one. What has Neil Rix done so bad for everybody having a dig at him ?
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
He certainly played his part in us losing our pier and in his capacity as planning chairman at the Town Council he had no right to speak on the application. The rules are very clear on this so we can assume that the issue will be raised again.
Guest 698- Registered: 28 May 2010
- Posts: 8,664
I don't think Neil's behaviour swayed the district council planning committee one jot. The officers had made up their mind and no mere town Councillor was ever going to get in their way. After all we know who runs DDC don't we?
I'm an optimist. But I'm an optimist who takes my raincoat - Harold Wilson
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
Maybe not Peter but he certainly made their job easier, the objections on the planning application and comments on social media showed the townsfolk were against the demolition. The secret meeting on the Monday with the statement from Cllr Rix 2 days before the DDC meeting were perfectly timed to have the effect we should all be grateful for losing a prized asset.
Guest 698- Registered: 28 May 2010
- Posts: 8,664
Made no difference Howard, at the planning meeting only a passing reference was made to the town council withdrawing its opposition. In their presentations the officers majored on the HRO being set in stone (ignoring the fact that it does not authorise the DWDR development). This is a stitch-up which I shall do my best to unpick,
I'm an optimist. But I'm an optimist who takes my raincoat - Harold Wilson
Guest 698- Registered: 28 May 2010
- Posts: 8,664
Someone said the other day that all decisions on the port/town relationship were made in the Masonic Hall. Now while not being a Freemason myself (in spite of having received many invitations to become a lodge member), I can categorically say that it's a dastardly lie, no Freemason would ever do anything to the detriment of their community, especially in Dover where so much is at stake. Oh and the moon is made of green cheese.
I'm an optimist. But I'm an optimist who takes my raincoat - Harold Wilson
Karlos- Location: Dover
- Registered: 1 Oct 2012
- Posts: 2,385
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
Karlos- Location: Dover
- Registered: 1 Oct 2012
- Posts: 2,385
I'm pretty sure the car park size was reduced a while ago..
Not sure what this means?
This means the location of the multi-storey facility has changed.
Dover MP Charlie Elphicke said: "Network Rail has decided they didn't want to build the railway station car park at the railway station.
Sure the car park was meant to be in the goods yard anyway?
Karlos- Location: Dover
- Registered: 1 Oct 2012
- Posts: 2,385