Of all the crazy things that happen when Thanet District Council and developers get together for the benefit of the local community this one takes the cake.
Just about everyone in Ramsgate is aware of the enormous amount of construction work and destruction on Marina Esplanade in the vicinity of the old Pleasurama site and frankly I am finding that I am now getting considerably more cooperation than I expected both with regard to the demolition of The Marina Restaurant and the flood risk assessment with regard to building new homes down there.
Just about everyone in Ramsgate is aware of the enormous amount of construction work and destruction on Marina Esplanade in the vicinity of the old Pleasurama site and frankly I am finding that I am now getting considerably more cooperation than I expected both with regard to the demolition of The Marina Restaurant and the flood risk assessment with regard to building new homes down there.
But what no one seems to be able to answer is the riddle of the roundabout, why would anyone build a huge roundabout for busses and large vehicles to turn at then of a road where the weight restriction prevents busses and large vehicles getting to it?
You have to appreciate that this means the permanent removal of most of the main sands car parking, I can’t think of a more effective method of crippling Ramsgate’s economy and all for something that will never be needed as the only vehicles light enough to be allowed there can comfortably turn in the car park.
Hi Michael,
ReplyDeleteWhere are the weight restrictions (sorry if you've covered this elsewhere and I've missed it)? I thought it was only the carpark at the bottom of Marina Road (before the road doubles back on itself) that had a weight restriction in place?
Chris
Chris 2 tonnes on the whole of the slope down from the top of the cliff and looking at the pictures at http://www.michaelsbookshop.com/tdc/id50.htm I recon you will agree that it’s very necessary
ReplyDeleteHmm, the state of those arches certainly does seem to indicate the need for a weight limit. I assume the houses a little further along also venture a fair way into the cliff - I wonder if these could be affected by heavy vehicles trundling down the hill. My original question was based on me not being able to remember seeing a weight limit traffic sign at the top of the hill (but I thought I did remember seeing one at the bottom before the bend).
ReplyDeleteIt is starting to become obvious that all lorries will come along past the harbour and that by the very size and shape of the new buildings infrastructure that the whole of the esplanade will be off limits to the general public.
ReplyDeleteI have heard that certain estate agents are going to advertise the flats as with private beach(oh sod I wasn't supposed to know that)sorry sandy,(oops done it again).
Michael I'd be interested to know who told you the restriction is 2 tonnes? I have a document from Kent highways advising it's 40 tonnes
ReplyDeleteAs far I understand the route down the hill was deemed to be unable to support the construction vehicles for the Pleasurama development when site access was investigated last year. I don’t remember where I got the figure 2 tonnes from, and I may be totally mistaken about this, the problem being that I talk to so many people about the Pleasurama development some of whom are better informed than others.
ReplyDeleteWhatever the weight limit I am sure it should be displayed at the top hill and I will look into this, one only has to look at the pictures to see that if a heavy vehicle goes down there it could result in a nasty accident.
If Kent highways advise that it will support 40 tonnes then I wonder what they base this information on, one of the problems with the whole Marina esplanade experience seems to be a reluctance to properly investigate public safety issues.
Anyone know who would be the best council officer to approach on this one.
I used to know someone that worked in Highways - I'll see if I can find anything from them.
ReplyDeleteWhat a mess!
ReplyDeleteHow will these HGV's get to Marina Incline (Road)?
Wellington Crescent has its parking problems. The roads leading to Marina Incline are just not suitable for long or heavy vehicles.
Western Undercliff is an inhospitable place due to the HGV,s using the port and now the Main Sands will be overlooked by one big building site for several years. And where can one park?
My grandchildren like to visit in the Summer and want to play on the beach - they may as well play in their sandpit at home!
The correspondence I saw was from a Mr Brenton mailto:David.Brenton@kent.gov.uk
ReplyDeleteHowever he advised that further enquiries should be made to:
The Divisional Manager
Kent Highway Services
East Kent Division Office
Beer Cart Lane,
Canterbury,
Kent.
CT1 2NN
Thanet Life and ECR gone. Why?
ReplyDeleteThe weight restriction sign appears to relate to the ramp leading down to the old swimming pool car park.
ReplyDeleteIs there a formal weight restriction on the road above the Granville Marina properties? If not I believe we need one, rather than just an agreement that the construction vehicles take a different route.
I've heard back from the chap that used to work in Highways but he's just suggested contacting them at kent.gov.uk. Did you find any further info?
ReplyDeleteThe hydraulic platform used to complete the final demolition (restoration) of the Marina Cafe certainly used the hill to get to the site. It would certainly have been over 2 tonnes but maybe under 40 tonnes. If the demolition squad hadn't been advised of any weight restrictions...God help the residents under the hill in the future!
ReplyDelete