Kingsdown Conservation Group Protecting and Enhancing Kingsdown Village

Transcription

1 Kingsdown Conservation Group Protecting and Enhancing Kingsdown Village Councillor Trevor Bond Amblecote 102 London Road Deal Kent CT14 9TY 15 July 2010 Dear Councillor Bond Tingdene Group Planning Application No: DOV/10/00325 I am writing to you as a resident of Kingsdown and as acting chairman of the Kingsdown Conservation Group (KCG) which represents a growing number of local residents, including owners of chalets in Kingsdown Holiday Park. The Tingdene Group is one of this country s largest owners of mainly residential and retirement residential parks, operating from 49 sites. Since buying Kingsdown Holiday Park in 2008, the company has ignored its neighbours and disregarded the impact of its various planning applications on the local community, including its own chalet owners. The above application, for use of the park throughout the year, is entirely contrary to the original concept and design of the site as a seaside holiday park for use, predominantly, in the summer months. At the planning meeting on 24 th June, the application was considered by the committee, with representations from both sides. By that date over 150 residents had sent written objections to the planning department.others have written since and the number could now exceed 200. There were only two letters of support. Dover District Council s director of development and public protection, Mr Dawson, was there to advise the committee and we were dismayed to learn that he had, effectively, already decided to rubber stamp the application. He said that giving permission for 12- month occupancy would be simply a bureaucratic update and it would not change the holiday camp status of the park. It would never have residential status, he said, ignoring the fact that, unofficially, 52-week opening could easily become full time residential use by anyone choosing to abuse the system. The committee voted to defer a decision and asked officers to investigate the mechanism adopted by Tingdene to ensure the compliance of holiday conditions at their sites in other parts of the country. Correspondence Address Kingsdown Conservation Group, c/o The Gate House, Upper Street, Kingsdown, CT14 8EU tel: philip@kingsdownconservation.org.uk

2 The outcome of this application has the potential to materially change our unique and largely unspoilt Heritage village for ever. I enclose a copy of my letter to Simon Leith, chairman of the planning committee, with questions we wish to raise and further comments for the committee s consideration. I also enclose a summary of our main objections and would welcome the opportunity to answer any questions you may have in the hope that you will be willing to lend support to our position on this application. Yours sincerely Philip Evemy Acting Chairman Enclosures: Letter to Simon Leith Summary of Main Objections

3 Kingsdown Conservation Group Protecting and Enhancing Kingsdown Village Councillor Susan Chandler Hadaways Cop Street Ash Canterbury Kent CT3 2DL 15 July 2010 Dear Councillor Chandler Tingdene Group Planning Application No: DOV/10/00325 I am writing to you as a resident of Kingsdown and as acting chairman of the Kingsdown Conservation Group (KCG) which represents a growing number of local residents, including owners of chalets in Kingsdown Holiday Park. The Tingdene Group is one of this country s largest owners of mainly residential and retirement residential parks, operating from 49 sites. Since buying Kingsdown Holiday Park in 2008, the company has ignored its neighbours and disregarded the impact of its various planning applications on the local community, including its own chalet owners. The above application, for use of the park throughout the year, is entirely contrary to the original concept and design of the site as a seaside holiday park for use, predominantly, in the summer months. At the planning meeting on 24 th June, the application was considered by the committee, with representations from both sides. By that date over 150 residents had sent written objections to the planning department.others have written since and the number could now exceed 200. There were only two letters of support. Dover District Council s director of development and public protection, Mr Dawson, was there to advise the committee and we were dismayed to learn that he had, effectively, already decided to rubber stamp the application. He said that giving permission for 12- month occupancy would be simply a bureaucratic update and it would not change the holiday camp status of the park. It would never have residential status, he said, ignoring the fact that, unofficially, 52-week opening could easily become full time residential use by anyone choosing to abuse the system. Correspondence Address Kingsdown Conservation Group, c/o The Gate House, Upper Street, Kingsdown, CT14 8EU tel: philip@kingsdownconservation.org.uk

4 The committee voted to defer a decision and asked officers to investigate the mechanism adopted by Tingdene to ensure the compliance of holiday conditions at their sites in other parts of the country. The outcome of this application has the potential to materially change our unique and largely unspoilt Heritage village for ever. I enclose a copy of my letter to Simon Leith, chairman of the planning committee, with questions we wish to raise and further comments for the committee s consideration. I also enclose a summary of our main objections and would welcome the opportunity to answer any questions you may have in the hope that you will be willing to lend support to our position on this application. Yours sincerely Philip Evemy Acting Chairman Enclosures: Letter to Simon Leith Summary of Main Objections

5 Kingsdown Conservation Group Protecting and Enhancing Kingsdown Village Councillor Mark S Furnival 4 Brambles Courtyard Freemans Way Deal Kent 15 July 2010 Dear Councillor Furnival Tingdene Group Planning Application No: DOV/10/00325 I am writing to you as a resident of Kingsdown and as acting chairman of the Kingsdown Conservation Group (KCG) which represents a growing number of local residents, including owners of chalets in Kingsdown Holiday Park. The Tingdene Group is one of this country s largest owners of mainly residential and retirement residential parks, operating from 49 sites. Since buying Kingsdown Holiday Park in 2008, the company has ignored its neighbours and disregarded the impact of its various planning applications on the local community, including its own chalet owners. The above application, for use of the park throughout the year, is entirely contrary to the original concept and design of the site as a seaside holiday park for use, predominantly, in the summer months. At the planning meeting on 24 th June, the application was considered by the committee, with representations from both sides. By that date over 150 residents had sent written objections to the planning department.others have written since and the number could now exceed 200. There were only two letters of support. Dover District Council s director of development and public protection, Mr Dawson, was there to advise the committee and we were dismayed to learn that he had, effectively, already decided to rubber stamp the application. He said that giving permission for 12- month occupancy would be simply a bureaucratic update and it would not change the holiday camp status of the park. It would never have residential status, he said, ignoring the fact that, unofficially, 52-week opening could easily become full time residential use by anyone choosing to abuse the system. Correspondence Address Kingsdown Conservation Group, c/o The Gate House, Upper Street, Kingsdown, CT14 8EU tel: philip@kingsdownconservation.org.uk

6 The committee voted to defer a decision and asked officers to investigate the mechanism adopted by Tingdene to ensure the compliance of holiday conditions at their sites in other parts of the country. The outcome of this application has the potential to materially change our unique and largely unspoilt Heritage village for ever. I enclose a copy of my letter to Simon Leith, chairman of the planning committee, with questions we wish to raise and further comments for the committee s consideration. I also enclose a summary of our main objections and would welcome the opportunity to answer any questions you may have in the hope that you will be willing to lend support to our position on this application. Yours sincerely Philip Evemy Acting Chairman Enclosures: Letter to Simon Leith Summary of Main Objections

7 Kingsdown Conservation Group Protecting and Enhancing Kingsdown Village Councillor Clive J Meredith 1 Wolfe Court Canada Road Walmer Deal Kent CT14 7UA 15 July 2010 Dear Councillor Meredith Tingdene Group Planning Application No: DOV/10/00325 I am writing to you as a resident of Kingsdown and as acting chairman of the Kingsdown Conservation Group (KCG) which represents a growing number of local residents, including owners of chalets in Kingsdown Holiday Park. The Tingdene Group is one of this country s largest owners of mainly residential and retirement residential parks, operating from 49 sites. Since buying Kingsdown Holiday Park in 2008, the company has ignored its neighbours and disregarded the impact of its various planning applications on the local community, including its own chalet owners. The above application, for use of the park throughout the year, is entirely contrary to the original concept and design of the site as a seaside holiday park for use, predominantly, in the summer months. At the planning meeting on 24 th June, the application was considered by the committee, with representations from both sides. By that date over 150 residents had sent written objections to the planning department.others have written since and the number could now exceed 200. There were only two letters of support. Dover District Council s director of development and public protection, Mr Dawson, was there to advise the committee and we were dismayed to learn that he had, effectively, already decided to rubber stamp the application. He said that giving permission for 12- month occupancy would be simply a bureaucratic update and it would not change the holiday camp status of the park. It would never have residential status, he said, ignoring the fact that, unofficially, 52-week opening could easily become full time residential use by anyone choosing to abuse the system. Correspondence Address Kingsdown Conservation Group, c/o The Gate House, Upper Street, Kingsdown, CT14 8EU tel: philip@kingsdownconservation.org.uk

8 The committee voted to defer a decision and asked officers to investigate the mechanism adopted by Tingdene to ensure the compliance of holiday conditions at their sites in other parts of the country. The outcome of this application has the potential to materially change our unique and largely unspoilt Heritage village for ever. I enclose a copy of my letter to Simon Leith, chairman of the planning committee, with questions we wish to raise and further comments for the committee s consideration. I also enclose a summary of our main objections and would welcome the opportunity to answer any questions you may have in the hope that you will be willing to lend support to our position on this application. Yours sincerely Philip Evemy Acting Chairman Enclosures: Letter to Simon Leith Summary of Main Objections

9 Kingsdown Conservation Group Protecting and Enhancing Kingsdown Village Councillor Jean Munt 15 Priory Road Dover Kent CT17 9RQ 15 July 2010 Dear Councillor Munt Tingdene Group Planning Application No: DOV/10/00325 I am writing to you as a resident of Kingsdown and as acting chairman of the Kingsdown Conservation Group (KCG) which represents a growing number of local residents, including owners of chalets in Kingsdown Holiday Park. The Tingdene Group is one of this country s largest owners of mainly residential and retirement residential parks, operating from 49 sites. Since buying Kingsdown Holiday Park in 2008, the company has ignored its neighbours and disregarded the impact of its various planning applications on the local community, including its own chalet owners. The above application, for use of the park throughout the year, is entirely contrary to the original concept and design of the site as a seaside holiday park for use, predominantly, in the summer months. At the planning meeting on 24 th June, the application was considered by the committee, with representations from both sides. By that date over 150 residents had sent written objections to the planning department.others have written since and the number could now exceed 200. There were only two letters of support. Dover District Council s director of development and public protection, Mr Dawson, was there to advise the committee and we were dismayed to learn that he had, effectively, already decided to rubber stamp the application. He said that giving permission for 12- month occupancy would be simply a bureaucratic update and it would not change the holiday camp status of the park. It would never have residential status, he said, ignoring the fact that, unofficially, 52-week opening could easily become full time residential use by anyone choosing to abuse the system. Correspondence Address Kingsdown Conservation Group, c/o The Gate House, Upper Street, Kingsdown, CT14 8EU tel: philip@kingsdownconservation.org.uk

10 The committee voted to defer a decision and asked officers to investigate the mechanism adopted by Tingdene to ensure the compliance of holiday conditions at their sites in other parts of the country. The outcome of this application has the potential to materially change our unique and largely unspoilt Heritage village for ever. I enclose a copy of my letter to Simon Leith, chairman of the planning committee, with questions we wish to raise and further comments for the committee s consideration. I also enclose a summary of our main objections and would welcome the opportunity to answer any questions you may have in the hope that you will be willing to lend support to our position on this application. Yours sincerely Philip Evemy Acting Chairman Enclosures: Letter to Simon Leith Summary of Main Objections

11 Kingsdown Conservation Group Protecting and Enhancing Kingsdown Village Councillor Jennifer Record Denton House Cliff Road Hythe Kent CT21 5XJ 15 July 2010 Dear Councillor Record Tingdene Group Planning Application No: DOV/10/00325 I am writing to you as a resident of Kingsdown and as acting chairman of the Kingsdown Conservation Group (KCG) which represents a growing number of local residents, including owners of chalets in Kingsdown Holiday Park. The Tingdene Group is one of this country s largest owners of mainly residential and retirement residential parks, operating from 49 sites. Since buying Kingsdown Holiday Park in 2008, the company has ignored its neighbours and disregarded the impact of its various planning applications on the local community, including its own chalet owners. The above application, for use of the park throughout the year, is entirely contrary to the original concept and design of the site as a seaside holiday park for use, predominantly, in the summer months. At the planning meeting on 24 th June, the application was considered by the committee, with representations from both sides. By that date over 150 residents had sent written objections to the planning department.others have written since and the number could now exceed 200. There were only two letters of support. Dover District Council s director of development and public protection, Mr Dawson, was there to advise the committee and we were dismayed to learn that he had, effectively, already decided to rubber stamp the application. He said that giving permission for 12- month occupancy would be simply a bureaucratic update and it would not change the holiday camp status of the park. It would never have residential status, he said, ignoring the fact that, unofficially, 52-week opening could easily become full time residential use by anyone choosing to abuse the system. Correspondence Address Kingsdown Conservation Group, c/o The Gate House, Upper Street, Kingsdown, CT14 8EU tel: philip@kingsdownconservation.org.uk

12 The committee voted to defer a decision and asked officers to investigate the mechanism adopted by Tingdene to ensure the compliance of holiday conditions at their sites in other parts of the country. The outcome of this application has the potential to materially change our unique and largely unspoilt Heritage village for ever. I enclose a copy of my letter to Simon Leith, chairman of the planning committee, with questions we wish to raise and further comments for the committee s consideration. I also enclose a summary of our main objections and would welcome the opportunity to answer any questions you may have in the hope that you will be willing to lend support to our position on this application. Yours sincerely Philip Evemy Acting Chairman Enclosures: Letter to Simon Leith Summary of Main Objections

13 Kingsdown Conservation Group Protecting and Enhancing Kingsdown Village Councillor Robert Thompson 11 Wordsworth Gardens Aylesham Canterbury Kent CT3 3LY 15 July 2010 Dear Councillor Thompson Tingdene Group Planning Application No: DOV/10/00325 I am writing to you as a resident of Kingsdown and as acting chairman of the Kingsdown Conservation Group (KCG) which represents a growing number of local residents, including owners of chalets in Kingsdown Holiday Park. The Tingdene Group is one of this country s largest owners of mainly residential and retirement residential parks, operating from 49 sites. Since buying Kingsdown Holiday Park in 2008, the company has ignored its neighbours and disregarded the impact of its various planning applications on the local community, including its own chalet owners. The above application, for use of the park throughout the year, is entirely contrary to the original concept and design of the site as a seaside holiday park for use, predominantly, in the summer months. At the planning meeting on 24 th June, the application was considered by the committee, with representations from both sides. By that date over 150 residents had sent written objections to the planning department.others have written since and the number could now exceed 200. There were only two letters of support. Dover District Council s director of development and public protection, Mr Dawson, was there to advise the committee and we were dismayed to learn that he had, effectively, already decided to rubber stamp the application. He said that giving permission for 12- month occupancy would be simply a bureaucratic update and it would not change the holiday camp status of the park. It would never have residential status, he said, ignoring the fact that, unofficially, 52-week opening could easily become full time residential use by anyone choosing to abuse the system. Correspondence Address Kingsdown Conservation Group, c/o The Gate House, Upper Street, Kingsdown, CT14 8EU tel: philip@kingsdownconservation.org.uk

14 The committee voted to defer a decision and asked officers to investigate the mechanism adopted by Tingdene to ensure the compliance of holiday conditions at their sites in other parts of the country. The outcome of this application has the potential to materially change our unique and largely unspoilt Heritage village for ever. I enclose a copy of my letter to Simon Leith, chairman of the planning committee, with questions we wish to raise and further comments for the committee s consideration. I also enclose a summary of our main objections and would welcome the opportunity to answer any questions you may have in the hope that you will be willing to lend support to our position on this application. Yours sincerely Philip Evemy Acting Chairman Enclosures: Letter to Simon Leith Summary of Main Objections

15 Kingsdown Conservation Group Protecting and Enhancing Kingsdown Village Councillor Roger Walkden 317 Folkestone Road Dover Kent CT17 9JG 15 July 2010 Dear Councillor Walkden Tingdene Group Planning Application No: DOV/10/00325 I am writing to you as a resident of Kingsdown and as acting chairman of the Kingsdown Conservation Group (KCG) which represents a growing number of local residents, including owners of chalets in Kingsdown Holiday Park. The Tingdene Group is one of this country s largest owners of mainly residential and retirement residential parks, operating from 49 sites. Since buying Kingsdown Holiday Park in 2008, the company has ignored its neighbours and disregarded the impact of its various planning applications on the local community, including its own chalet owners. The above application, for use of the park throughout the year, is entirely contrary to the original concept and design of the site as a seaside holiday park for use, predominantly, in the summer months. At the planning meeting on 24 th June, the application was considered by the committee, with representations from both sides. By that date over 150 residents had sent written objections to the planning department.others have written since and the number could now exceed 200. There were only two letters of support. Dover District Council s director of development and public protection, Mr Dawson, was there to advise the committee and we were dismayed to learn that he had, effectively, already decided to rubber stamp the application. He said that giving permission for 12- month occupancy would be simply a bureaucratic update and it would not change the holiday camp status of the park. It would never have residential status, he said, ignoring the fact that, unofficially, 52-week opening could easily become full time residential use by anyone choosing to abuse the system. The committee voted to defer a decision and asked officers to investigate the mechanism adopted by Tingdene to ensure the compliance of holiday conditions at their sites in other parts of the country. Correspondence Address Kingsdown Conservation Group, c/o The Gate House, Upper Street, Kingsdown, CT14 8EU tel: philip@kingsdownconservation.org.uk

16 The outcome of this application has the potential to materially change our unique and largely unspoilt Heritage village for ever. I enclose a copy of my letter to Simon Leith, chairman of the planning committee, with questions we wish to raise and further comments for the committee s consideration. I also enclose a summary of our main objections and would welcome the opportunity to answer any questions you may have in the hope that you will be willing to lend support to our position on this application. Yours sincerely Philip Evemy Acting Chairman Enclosures: Letter to Simon Leith Summary of Main Objections

17 Kingsdown Conservation Group Protecting and Enhancing Kingsdown Village Councillor Simon Leith 76 New Street Sandwich Kent CT13 9BD 15 July 2010 Dear Councillor Leith Tingdene Group Planning Application No: DOV/10/00325 I am writing to you as a resident of Kingsdown and as acting chairman of the Kingsdown Conservation Group (KCG) which represents a growing number of local residents, including owners of chalets in the holiday park. As you know, by 24 th June over 150 residents had sent their written opposition to Sarah Platts regarding this application. Others have written since and the number could now exceed 200. There were only two letters of support. At the planning meeting on 24 th June, we were dismayed to hear Mr Dawson say that giving permission for 12-month occupancy would be simply a bureaucratic update and it would not change the holiday camp status of the park. None of the objections put forward by councillors (including two on your committee), local residents, Kingsdown Parish Council and KCG s barrister was specifically addressed by Mr Dawson. In the face of so many measured and significant objections, which councillors and officers have upheld so determinedly in the past, his rationale makes no sense. We were also surprised that an officer of Mr Dawson s stature had not exercised due diligence in that no facts or figures were available to answer crucial legal and enforcement issues. Whilst we would have preferred an outright rejection - as on previous occasions - we noted your committee s decision to defer and ask officers to investigate the mechanism adopted by Tingdene to ensure compliance of holiday conditions at their sites in other parts of the country. Key Concerns The outcome of this application has the potential to materially change our unique and largely unspoilt Heritage village for ever, and I trust you will understand how important it is for residents to clearly understand every stage of your committee s deliberations - including the findings your members will use to help them reach a final decision. I would therefore be most grateful if you could reply to the Kingsdown Conservation Group with the following information: Correspondence Address Kingsdown Conservation Group, c/o The Gate House, Upper Street, Kingsdown, CT14 8EU tel: philip@kingsdownconservation.org.uk

18 The names and addresses of the Tingdene sites to be used as evidence. Contact details of the local authority officers responsible for monitoring these sites. Assurances that Dover District Council s (DDC) officers will be seeking evidence that the system proposed by Tingdene is practical, workable, verifiable and - above all enforceable. Experience by other councils point to abuse of the system. Confirmation that officers will be seeking evidence from other, independent, local authorities (ie not allied to Tingdene) responsible for managing and enforcing occupancy conditions in their 52-week-a-year holiday sites. A fully detailed explanation as to why DDC s officers have done a U turn in their approach to this application. Other Considerations In addition to weighing up all the available evidence, your committee s consideration of the following points would be appreciated. Paragraph 117 of the Guidance Notes covering holiday parks states that authorities should continue to use seasonal occupancy conditions to prevent the permanent residential use of accommodation which by the character of its construction or design is unsuitable for continuous occupation, particularly in the winter months. The proposal to grant 12-month occupation clearly flouts this guidance. The chalets at Kingsdown Holiday Park are not designed for use in winter and will waste energy meeting heating demands. Support for winter use by DDC would be contrary to the carbon-reduction policy in its Development Framework. St Margaret s Bay Holiday Camp (owned by Park Resorts) has advised members of KCG that 52-week occupation would result in significantly higher council tax and maintenance charges for their chalet owners. Also, they need closed periods for security enforcement and annual maintenance. They would not consider all-year occupation (except for staff accommodation) because of real concerns about residence abuse which they would not be able to control or enforce. In June 2010, in support of Swale Borough Council, the planning inspector rejected an application by the owners of a site with 300 holiday chalets to open 11 months of the year. The inspector s reasons were that approval could encourage permanent residential use of the chalets. It would also reduce the number of chalets available for holidays and would adversely affect the local tourist industry and increase pressure on health and education services. To enable chalet owners in Kingsdown Holiday Park to meet increased service, council tax and other charges resulting from year-round use, they can sub-let their chalets as low-cost accommodation for six months at a time. This will reduce accommodation for holidaymakers and defeat DDC s stated objective to increase tourism. Can DDC afford the manpower and cost of policing any register and enforcing compliance when the system is abused?

19 Action DDC s Development Scheme focuses on the value and importance of Conservation Areas. The holiday park borders on and passes through a vulnerable Conservation Area served by a single road which is narrow and hazardous. We can find nothing in DDC s Local Development Framework to support an increase in tourism in Kingsdown. As well as awaiting your response, we are approaching other bodies and organisations that are sympathetic to our wider aim to protect Kingsdown village. We have had an initial meeting with Charlie Elphicke MP seeking guidance and clarification about government policy on tourism, conservation and holiday parks. We are organised. We have the support of local residents, funds and professional resources. And we would like to work in partnership with our elected representatives on Dover District Council. Finally, I would be grateful if you could give me an indication of the date of the meeting when your committee will deliberate and possibly reach a decision about Tingdene s application, and advise whether members of the public will be able to attend and make further representations Yours sincerely Philip Evemy Acting Chairman Enclosure: Summary of Main Objections Cc Dover District and County Councillors Chief Executive Dover District Council Kingsdown Park Chalet Owners Association Kingsdown Parish Council Charlie Elphicke MP Councillor Alex King, MBE

20 Kingsdown Conservation Group Protecting and Enhancing Kingsdown Village Summary of Main Objections: Planning Application DOV/10/00325 * If the holiday park was open 52 weeks of the year, it would be very difficult to ensure it was used only for holiday occupation. An arrival/departure register would be complicated and difficult to enforce, particularly as many of the chalets are owned individually and only occupied for those owners personal use. It would be very easy for a chalet to be occupied by a person/family for, say, 51 weeks on holiday and for them to be elsewhere for the remaining week. If their possessions remained in the chalet for that week then this, surely, amounts to residential use * There are already some chalets that are used by their owners as their sole UK residence, those people generally having another home abroad where they spend the winter months. If the application is approved, these owners would immediately be in breach of the condition that holiday homes should be second homes as these chalets would still be their only UK residence. * Keeping a register of booking/use is complicated and onerous. For example, the planning inspector of a case in Norfolk said such a register was too complicated and difficult to enforce so a conventional seasonal occupation condition was imposed on the camp, the same as currently applies to Kingsdown Holiday Park. * In telephone conversations with staff at four other Tingdene holiday parks with permission to open all year, a Kingsdown resident was told that Tingdene s park residents can, and do, live there for 51 weeks and have one week elsewhere on holiday. Surely this is residential occupation by any other name? * All chalet owners would be faced with increased costs for service charges, maintenance, council tax, and these would not be met by a commensurate increase in holiday lets. In addition, extra staff would need to be employed by the owners of the holiday park. Clearly this is not - on the face of it financially viable for either the chalet owners or Tingdene. However, if the agenda were acquisition of holiday chalets by Tingdene and resale as unofficial full time residences it starts to make sense. * Year-round use of the park will allow some 140 chalet owners to sub-let their properties throughout the winter months as inexpensive residential accommodation - perhaps to families of up to six people with two or more cars which will be used on a daily basis. This will enable owners to pay Tingdene s (and the council s) increased charges for all-year use.

21 * Kingsdown is a small, seaside village which welcomes visitors in the holiday season. The impact of year-round use of the site by up to 500 people and nearly 300 cars would be catastrophic. * In 2007, commenting on an application by the park s owners to open 48 weeks a year, DDC s planning officers said the park was not designed for permanent living. Approval would be tantamount to the creation of a significant residential development. Councillors agreed, one saying this is housing by the back door. However, only three years later we have another planning officer recommending approval of year-round opening. Why? Nothing has changed in the park. This u-turn is irresponsible, incomprehensible and unacceptable. * The new government has articulated a policy giving power back to local people, indicating that if the local population objects to a particular planning application then their voice must take precedence. We know that district and county councillors, Kingsdown Parish Council, and (now) some 200 individuals have all objected to this proposal. This is clear-cut local opposition of considerable size and therefore the application should be refused. * There are several holiday cottages in and around Kingsdown. Those who already try to operate all year round have virtually no take-up or enquiries during the winter months apart from Christmas (log fire de rigeur). Tourists seeking a winter break are more likely to choose a city break or somewhere in the sun rather than a cold, windy English seaside with few indoor attractions. * The DDC planning committee has not visited the site, nor have traffic and environmental impact assessments been prepared for the committee s consideration. The infrastructure for full time occupation simply does not exist schools, hospitals, access, transport etc. Tingdene are absentee landlords who have, as in their previous applications, totally disregarded the impact of their activities on the local community. The application is entirely contrary to the original concept and design of the site as a seaside village holiday park for use, predominantly, in the summer months. * Chalet Tenants can say they are on holiday and use a friend / relative s address as their main place of residence. It already happens elsewhere and it takes time, money and real commitment by enforcement officers to stop what amounts to residential development by the back door. In any event the planning department is on record stating it cannot afford the cost of enforcement and fighting the inevitable (legal aid-funded) appeals against eviction. The Tingdene Group operate from 49 locations, offering mainly residential and retirement residential accommodation.