News

He has written to Shepway District Council planners detailing his objections.

Mr Mouland writes that he objects to the application to mounting the screen on the Grade 2 listed building.

He states: "In my opinion, it is degrading to the Victorian architect at that time, 1885, Reginald Pope.

"The peculiar sketch submitted by Strange Cargo is indeed misleading as there is no mention in their written application of shuttering needed to protect it from the winter elements which would give even more of an appalling appearance to this structure of age!

"If one should have an inspiring creative thought and suddenly look above the left-hand gable end in the middle, they would notice the opening date given as 1885, and then suddenly look back to the touch screen and realise how ludicrously out of place this device is.

"As one or more holes would need to be drilled through the wall for cables from the touch screen to run through into the office, surely English Heritage should be notified of such alterations.

"Furthermore, seeing how the Leas Lift is only open for five months of the year, and closed for the remaining seven months, may one make a suggestion that this touch screen is more in keeping with the left end of the Coastal Park entrance or the Civic Centre directly under the coat of arms, especially as there is a constant flow of the local residents and tourists all day long!

Mr Mouland points out that there are already two touch screens at the new Bouverie Place Shopping Centre which provide the same information as that at the Lower Leas Lift Building if it were installed. One is out of order and the other is covered in graffiti he writes.

He urges the Planning Committee to use their 'touch', and switch off, once and for all, "this undesirable proposal put forward by the Strange Cargo Arts Group."

Related information: Shepway District Council planning application ref.: Y08/0379/SH