The post you are reporting:
Sarah P is absolutely right; we have had the CGI argument for developing both Western heights and Farthingloe at us as if it is the be all and end all of Dover Dover's problems.
Opposition has been thwarted - not withstanding the DXpress - most horrendously at the Dover Society AGM where those who wanted the CGI proposal discussed in open debated were dogmatically told that we would have to wait for such a discussion until the CGI presented their planning application ... when there would be only days to mount and have such a discussion.
The reality is, there are many questions that need to be answered before thinking people can make up their minds.
Yesterday I e-mailed Mike Dawson - boss of DDC Planning asking questions that arose from reading the company reports issued by CGI to their shareholders.
In one report they say, in respect to Farthingloe site A, which includes the area occupied by the former Channel Tunnel workers camp and subsequently designated a Brownfield site, that:
"In 2005 an application was made to vary the existing planning permission. This application comprised a request for permission to redistribute the consent in respect of one of five large buildings for which consent had previously been granted into 3 smaller office blocks with associated parking. The variation to the planning consent will allow the construction of 18 units of office space with 173 car parking spaces - inc 6 disabled spaces and 39 cycle stands.
The Directors believe that this consent will pave the way for consent to redistribute the space comprised within the other four larger buildings in a similar manner and intend to submit progress applications in this respect as they deem appropriate."
... Then in 2010:
"Great Farthingloe Farm currently has planning permission for 225,000 sq-feet of offices. It is hoped that the first phase of development will deliver 400 homes, grouped around a village green and shop, by next year with prices ranging between £225,000 and £325,000."
Could you be so kind as to tell me:
i. How many applications it took to, quote, 'pave-the-way' to this stage?
ii. In respect to Western Heights, could the same ploy be used there, once planning permission has been given?
iii. Finally, I note that a planning application for the Manley House site at Whitfield deferred, as there is a 30% affordable housing condition (S106). Does this rule apply to the proposed Farthingloe/Western Heights development?
a. If so, based on the last proposed housing figures produced by CGI, Western Heights 186 and Farthingloe 611, will the 30% rule still apply?
b. As the CGI state that the Executive homes - aimed at London Commuters, will be on Western Heights, will the affordable homes (approx 240) be at Farthingloe?
Before anyone can make their mind up these and a lot more questions - as I have outlined above - #368 - have to be answered.
Lorraine