Special educational needs school at Northdown House Northdown Park, Margate

“LOCATION: Change of use of Northdown House to a Special Educational Needs school (Use Class F1), including replacement of Perspex glazing with toughened clear glass to all windows, erection of 2.4m high security fence with gates, resurfacing of existing gravel parking areas, reopening and use of the walled garden as an outdoor play area, use of an existing outbuilding as a first aid room and associated repairs and refurbishment works (Partly retrospective).”

“The application site comprises the Grade ll listed Northdown House. The site is located within Northdown Park, which is a protected open space designated in the Thanet Local Plan, and within Northdown Conservation Area. The building is located at the southern end of the park, and is accessed via an internal access road that runs to the south of the building, linking to Queen Elizabeth Avenue to the west and Northdown Park Road to the east.”

“Northdown House has been subject to various historic changes and loss of fabric during its lifespan, particularly during the 1980s and 1990s, and has been vacant for some time. The building has been in various uses over the years, including a function venue, pilates studio and small Special Educational Needs school.”

“L/TH/25/0780 - Application for Listed Building Consent for internal redecoration, installation of fire doors, classroom reconfiguration, removal of a non-original second-floor door and infill to match existing, installation of 1.1m toughened glass balustrade to the existing staircase, replacement of Perspex glazing with toughened clear glass to all windows, erection of 2.4m high security fence with gates, resurfacing of existing gravel parking areas and associated…”

“L/TH/11/0954 - Application for listed building consent for internal and external alterations - Granted 11.01.2012”

“The application would secure the long term use of Northdown House, ensure the building remains in community use and provide a much needed educational facility. The proposal will result in some policy conflict with Policy SP32 of the Thanet Local Plan due to the restriction of public access to a small part of the park.”

“It is therefore recommended that Members approve the application, subject to safeguarding conditions.”

“Letters were sent to the neighbouring occupiers, a site notice was posted near the site and the application was advertised in the local press. No comments were received from neighbours.”

“The amended parking layout demonstrates that 19 car parking spaces, 1 minibus parking space and 10 cycle parking spaces can be accommodated to the front and side of Northdown House. The amount of cycle parking spaces complies with the Parking Standards. The Transport Statement also references car parking to the east of the site within Northdown Park.”

“Whilst there is therefore a shortfall in parking spaces available at the site when compared to the parking standards, notably KCC Highways do not object to the application. Regard is given to the availability of parking in the nearby Council owned car park and on surrounding roads.”

“Councillor Rattigan proposed and Councillor Rusiecki seconded that the planning application be approved, subject to the following conditions:”

“When put to the vote, the motion was AGREED.”

“5 Within three months of the date of this decision, a Parking Management Plan clearly illustrating details of parking for parents and staff, shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The parking area shall be implemented in accordance with the approved details and shall therefore be maintained.”

“6 Within three months of the date of this decision, a Travel Plan to reduce dependency on the private car, shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The Travel Plan shall include objectives and modal-split targets, a programme of implementation and provision for monitoring, review and improvement.”