A planning application has been made for a change of use of the No 1 Black Shed on Standard Quay. This changes the use from Workshops and Storage to a Restaurant and Cambria Visitor Centre downstairs and an Art Gallery/Function Room upstairs.
If you wish to comment on this development you can do so directly on the UK Planning website (www.ukplanning.com/swale); use Reference SW/12/1523
The application may be inspected at the Planning Services Department, Swale House, East Street, Sittingbourne, at 9.00am – 4.45pm Monday to Thursday and 9.00am – 4.15pm on Friday.
A copy will also be available for inspection at the Council Offices at Preston Street, Faversham Monday to Thursday 9.00am – 12.45pm; 1.30pm – 5.00pm and Friday at 9.00am – 12.45pm; 1.30pm – 4.30pm.
THE DEADLINE FOR COMMENTS IS NOW Tuesday 12th FEBRUARY
The principal issues that should be considered are;
1. that the application is premature in that it attempts to pre-empt the Creek Neighbourhood Plan that is being developed,
2. that it does not meet the criteria laid down in the current Local Plan and AAP2 for the use of Standard Quay.
Does the Town need another restaurant and can Abbey St and the Quay cope with the additional traffic and parking. It is clearly another nail in the coffin of the Quay as Maritime Heritage center. Once a restaurant is open in such a central position, it is virtually the end of boatbuilding and associated maritime trades. Gradually, working craft are being replaced by Houseboats. There are no boat repair facilities remaining nor the relevant craftsmen.
The modifications required to convert these simple buildings will irreversibly change them from simple artisan workshops and storage into modern and expensive buildings, putting them forever out of reach of tradesmen and other maritime uses.
In February 2011 a Petition was signed by over 1500 people ;
Faversham Creek has been a centre for ship building and repair for more than 300 years.
In recent years Standard Quay has regenerated the heritage, skills and apprentice training of Faversham’s maritime craftsmen. It is the last stronghold of traditional barges in the South East of England. Standard Quay, on Faversham Creek’s unique historic waterway, is of national and European importance. This industry, jobs and heritage is now under immediate threat.
We, the undersigned, petition Swale Borough Council to protect, preserve and enhance Standard Quay and the Creek environment for the building, restoration, maintenance and berthing of traditional vessels by all means possible including:
1. Helping to secure the quayside, land and buildings at Standard Quay so that local maritime craftsmen can continue their traditional boatbuilding and apprentice training activities, and Faversham Creek can expand as a national centre for Thames Sailing barge berthing, repair and restoration.
2. A Guarantee that any future Faversham Creek Development Plan will specifically rule out any possibility of the historic Standard Quay site being developed inappropriately in future – for example for housing, restaurants, cafes, hotels, licensed premises and retail use.
3. Rejecting any proposed change of use for Standard Quay’s quayside buildings, so they can continue to be used for their traditional purposes by maritime craftsmen.
THE DEADLINE FOR COMMENT IS Tuesday 12th February
