*** Latest: DDC have agreed to withdraw 9 of the Huts. The lobby of Walmer Parish Council on Weds 9th July is still going ahead see EKM posting today 7thJuly
Pete St Ange at the Walmer Sea Cafe and local residents has started a petition against the number and way DDC dumped 20 huts down on Walmer's iconic beach front this week.
The twenty huts appeared in the last week and were installed by Dover District Council after DDC planning committee discussed it and delegated it to officers back in their March Planning meeting despite several members voicing concern over parking and toilet facilities.Planning application DOV/13/01007 had been discussed and rejected by the Parish Council earlier in December 2013.
The huts are reported in the EKM as being for rent at approx. £1,200 pa.
These huts are setup in a four deep array without much space in between to see or access the sea.
This is unlike the existing ones on the beach which are only one deep with good access to the sea & arguably enhance the view.
With an estimated cost of £34k means the council is planning to make about £85k over the next 5yrs.
So they could have afforded a better outcome with a bit more thought.
Pete has an photo opportunity with local press on Monday at 4pm on Walmer seafront and asking supporters to join him.
He is taking the campaign to the next Walmer Parish Council meeting 7pm on Weds 9th July (at WPC offices on The Strand).
All those are concerned are urged to pop down sign & distribute the petition.
I like Beach Huts. But these ones demonstrate a lack of imagination and lack of respect for our 'shared space' on the sea front.
