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RNLI resubmit plans for new boathouse to Thanet council after objections

Plans for a new RNLI lifeboat and boathouse station in Margate have been resubmitted to Thanet District Council (TDC)

The application comes after proposals put forward by the charity in January were met with dozens of public objections.

In the new plans amendments were made to show what section of the ramp would be visible at current beach levels.

Studio Four Architects impression of the proposed Margate RNLI lifeboat station
Studio Four Architects impression of the proposed Margate RNLI lifeboat station

A petition to get the RNLI to choose a different location for their proposed station was started on change.org on April 12.

It is called Save Our Sands and has gained nearly 3,000 signatures.

More than 10 objections have also been added to the planning application documents on TDC’s website during the public consultation period with one in support of the new boathouse site.

“When finally the town is starting to attract visitors again and things are starting to improve we get madness like this..." - Proprietor of SH Cuttings

The proprietor of SH Cuttings Jewellers in Margate Old Town wrote: “My family have been in business in this town for more than 50 years and have been through some pretty tough times.

“When finally the town is starting to attract visitors again and things are starting to improve we get madness like this.

“I have discussed this with a number of local people and not one, I repeat, not one, has thought it a good idea.”

The public consultation period for the new plans closes at midnight on April 20.

TDC spokesman Hannah Thorpe said: “When the application was first made valid in November we sent out letters to neighbouring properties, posted a site notice and this was advertised in the Extra.

“On March 30 we sent out amended plan letters to anyone originally consulted and those that had written in objecting/supporting the application.

“If members of the public wish to comment they can do so in writing, via our email address or online at planning.thanet.gov.uk/online-applications/.”

At the time of the original plan submission in January, RNLI spokesman James Oxley said: “We thoroughly investigated a number of locations, balancing the need for speed of launch and safety while keeping disruption to a minimum.

“We have, for many years, travelled down the beach for lifeboat launches and the new launching path would actually be shorter and safer..." - RNLI James Oxley

“We have, for many years, travelled down the beach for lifeboat launches and the new launching path would actually be shorter and safer than the current arrangement, which sees the lifeboat having to negotiate the busy pedestrian area at the Turner Contemporary before moving down the beach.

“All launches will continue to be supervised by our trained launchers.

“The new boathouse has been designed to fit in with the surrounding area and we expect it to become a popular attraction for the town.”

Details of the application can be found by searching F/TH/15/1239 on the TDC planning application website.

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