A friend of mine pointed out to me some problems with the plans for Albion House, they relate to putting a shop front on the side of it for access to the part of the building on the ground floor that is to be used for public functions and the Mayors parlour.This means that when it is used for public occasions, wedding receptions or even something like a royal visit, entrance would be through a small door in a shop front on the side.
I am afraid this one rather slipped under the radar while I was involved with having the flue and Christmas, so I am uncertain if it is to late to object or not.
The planning application reference is L/TH/08/1377 click here to go to the council planning website.
Below are some thoughts that may be useful when framing an objection.
The building is a residence and is and always has been in a residential area.
Planning permission would not be given for a shop or a shop front in this position.
A shop front is not only inappropriate for the area but also as an indication of what it is: the entry to the Mayor’s Parlour, the Secretary’s Office and Assembly Rooms of the town of Ramsgate. It detracts from the purpose of the building and from its architectural and historic integrity.
If this is to be used for special civic occasions or for private hire such as a wedding or for a fund raising event, functions which would raise money for the upkeep of the premises, entry through a shop front is not a very strong selling point nor good marketing strategy in selling the building as a block of expensive, top line apartments.
However, the plans for the installation of new access and shop front within side elevation have failed to take into account the heavy use of this entry to the Council Chamber by the general public.
Large numbers of people of all ages attend functions in the Council Chamber.
The building stands in a prominent position in a residential area overlooking Ramsgate Sands. It is clearly seen in the picture of that name by W.P. Frith and bought by Queen Victoria; it is still in the Royal collection.
Albion House was used as a holiday residence by the Duchess of Kent and the Princess Victoria and later for Royal visitors such as Leopold of Belgium on their way to or from the continent via the Port of Ramsgate.
It has more recently been used as Council offices; the Ballroom has long been used as the Council Chamber. The mayor of Ramsgate’s parlour is still there.
There was a public outcry when the Council tried to turn the whole building into apartments. A compromise was reached with the town retaining the Mayor’s Parlour and Council Chamber for communal use. Meetings are held there regularly.
The application to make the entrance to the public parts via a shop front degrades this building. The proposals are lacking in any sensitivity for the area, the purpose of the building, or its architectural and historic significance.
