The Leader of Dover District Council, Cllr Paul Watkins, in posting #1208, states that DDC is not commercially involved in the proposed hotel on WH, which as I point out in my posting #1212 English Heritage advises against the granting of planning permission - a quote direct from their submission on the CGI application.
While Councillor Roger Walkden, in his posting #1219 argues that those who are opposed to the CGI proposals don't want to preserve the buildings on the W.H - I take it that this statement includes English Heritage, in which case I draw his attention to my posting of
#1124 and #1199.
I also bring to the attention of both councillors and anyone else who will be involved in the final decision of the planning process, that NPPF para 17 p6 states that Local Authorities should conserve heritage assets in a manner appropriate to their significance, so that they can be enjoyed for their contribution to the quality of life of this and future generations.
This was reiterated from the 2010 Planning Policy Statement 5 (PPS5) (published in 2010), which goes on to say that 'Significance can be harmed or lost through alteration or destruction of the heritage asset or development within its setting' (HE9.1).
The requirement of both is that, 'When considering applications for development that affect the setting of a heritage asset, local planning authorities should treat favourably applications that preserve those elements of the setting that make a positive contribution to or better reveal the significance of the asset.' (PPS 5 HE10.1).
As they will be aware, proposed development fails on all counts.
Further, at no place within CGI's numerous documents and verbiage do they justify or show that their proposed development in the beautiful AONB Arthurian Farthingloe Valley, is of public interest.
NPPF p27 para 116 indicates that planning applications for major development in such areas must have exceptional circumstances and it must be demonstrated that they are in the public interest.
While para 3.60 of the LDF states that Dover's wildlife and green space resource, which is especially rich in chalk grassland, needs to be protected and strengthened through the green infrastructure network.
Lorraine
P.S.
This advert was stumbled across yesterday:
http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/Western-Heights.html
Any comments?