The post you are reporting:
Yes, Lorraine did mention brown field sites - and certainly on one, Buckland Mill site, after standing empty for ten years looks as though something is going to happen. During those ten years, the development was being managed by SEERA at a horrendous cost to the taxpayer.
The Connaught Barracks site became empty and we were going to have a major ecological development, no doubt this has cost we tax payers a pretty penny so far - especially as nothing has happened.
Then we come to the St James Development - the catalyst for Dover's regeneration with £'000s spent on consultant fees and empty promises - what are we left with? Potholes and a MOTEL (not hotel) - people won't be stopping there for an extended stay in Dover.
Returning to Western Heights is scheduled under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 as amended as it appears to the Secretary of State to be of national importance.
The Reasons for Designation:
The fortifications at Western Heights survive well as a series of earthworks, brick, and masonry structures, which will retain archaeological evidence relating to the adaptation and development of their defences over more than 150 years. The remains represent the largest, most elaborate and impressive surviving example of early 19th century fortification in England. Together with other contemporary defensive works at Archcliffe Fort, Fort Burgoyne and Dover Castle, Western Heights provides an insight into the continuing military importance of Dover during the 19th and 20th centuries. In addition, the
Roman lighthouse, the medieval chapel and the field terracing will retain archaeological remains relating to the earlier occupation of the headland. The use of parts of the monument for recreational activities and the provision of history and nature trails give it importance as a public amenity and a valuable educational resource.
And DDC complain they have no money yet can find £20,000 to pay the legal fees in order to give expand CGI's site portfolio ... this is a National Monument
Lorraine