On a technical level, I don't like sosfolkestone.info but that could be just me being a nerd. They do have a little forum there with a lot more activity than this one, and some more info on Roger Dehaan's masterplan for Folkestone, including some pictures. They include this report on his recent presentation:
Over the last week (20th March onwards) Roger De Haan has been presenting his seafront plans to various groups before it goes public on April 1st (open for public consultation). On Tuesday 21st March, so many people turned up, that two presentations had to be held! SOS members, Julie Balliu & Simon Everett were lucky enough to be in one of these presentations and have prepared short notes for you to see/read and make your own judgements.
Brief Review: As you are aware, Roger De Haan owns the Harbour, and has great plans for this area, but he did mention that without the land owned by Jimmy Godden incorporated into the project, the whole thing would not flow as it should do. The thought is that JG will sell the land; if he doesnt it could be met with a compulsory purchase - but only if the community/people of Folkestone want this to happen.
De Haan's legal advisors have been writing to Shepway District Council for a long period of time regarding this issue, with emphasis on the fact of errors in the process/planning application regarding JG land. The Trent plans have not received planning consent as yet, as they are unable to meet the conditions of the Planning Committee of SDC. As we speak, Trent are currently submitting new plans to the SDC.
It has been found that, under new House of Lords decisions, SDC can change their mind on the Trent/JG planning issue, and they cannot be sued if they do so.
De Haan clearly stated that the whole seafront project is for the people of Folkestone, for its regeneration and its future. He would not be involved in such a thing, if he didnt think the people wanted it. Therefore, if you do like the proposed plans, you must speak out and let your councillor/SDC know of this. Your thoughts and opinions matter.
Please review De Haans aims and objectives, as well as some rather blurred (!) photographs of his proposed plans, which will probably take up to six years to complete.
Find the photos in sosfolkestone.info. But then come back here.
This is part of my site The 'Gerald that I built in a fury of excitement when we first came to Folkestone sometime in 2004. I'd been a frequent visitor for a while previous to that so I am technically one of those Down From Londons you get nowadays. The site was updated more frequently with a calendar of events and voting for best venues and things, and I know it was a handy reference for others who were moving to the area. Now I've moved out of Folkestone again (though only a couple of miles) it doesn't get as much attention as it used to. Ironic really as Folkestone itself is now becoming the exciting place we knew it was about to become. My name is not Gerald BTW, this comes from a pretend paper in an episode of Brasseye or something, the Portsmouth Gerald, and how there is a local paper here called the Folkestone Herald. Puns like this are great aren't they? Do contact me if you have anything to offer, email anythign @ this domain, or try @folkestone or @pauly on Twitter.