News: March 2007

In  January 2003 the owner of Dreamland, Jimmy Godden, announced the closure of Dreamland. The park is to be redeveloped as "leisure boxes, some retail and a supermarket". Joyland Books will provide updates on the campaign to save Dreamland and its internationally-important Scenic Railway ride.

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Thursday, 15 March 2007

The Thanet Times on 6 March included a short item on Dreamland owner Margate Town centre Regeneration Company's appeal against an enforcement notice served by Thanet District Council requiring the removal of the unauthorised fence.

Monday, 12 March 2007

The Letters Page of both the Thanet Times and the Isle of Thanet Gazette featured Dreamland-related letters from Westgate resident David Kelly. 

Saturday, 3 March 2007

Margate Town Centre Regeneration Company Ltd (MTCRC), the company that owns the Dreamland site, has submitted an appeal against the enforcement notice that was issued by Thanet District Council on 30 November 2006. The enforcement notice alleges that a breach of planning control has occurred due to MTCRC's installation of 2.4-metre high palisade fencing around the Scenic Railway and across part of the amusement park. One of the reasons given by the Council for the enforcement notice is that "by reasons of its design and materials, the unauthorised fencing detracts from the setting of the Scenic Railway and is severely detrimental to its character as a Grade II listed structure of architectural and historic interest."

MTCRC had been given until 26 January 2007 to remove the fence, after which the enforcement notice would come into effect and the company would be committing a criminal offence if the fence remained. However, the appeal was received by the Council only days before the notice came into effect, on 21 January, giving the remaining parts of the fence a stay of execution. MTCRC has given several reasons for appealing the enforcement notice, including "that planning permission should be granted" and "that the time given to comply with the notice is too short."

Copies of MTCRC's grounds of appeal and accompanying statement can be inspected at the offices of Thanet District Council. An informal hearing, open to the public, will be held at a date to be announced. If any member of the public wants to make representations to the Planning Inspectorate on this appeal, these must be received in writing by the Inspectorate by 15 March 2007. The address to send representations is: The Planning Inspectorate, 3/21 Eagle Wing, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol BS1 6PM, quoting the appeal reference number APP/Z2260/C/07/2036202.