Inspector backs fewer bedsits plan for Cliftonville

Plans to cut the number of bedsits in a Kent seaside town have been given the go-ahead by an independent planning inspector.

Thanet District Council has spent two years coming up with a plan for the future of Cliftonville, near Margate.

It wants to increase the number of family homes and holiday accommodation.

The decision will allow planners to restrict the number of multiple occupancy homes and support other developments such as houses and hotels.

'Good news'

The inspector said the council's new policy was in line with legal and planning legislation.

Councillor Roger Latchford, cabinet member for economic development and regeneration, said: "This is excellent news.

"We have been working closely with the community in Cliftonville to make sure that these new policies, along with all the other good work going on in the area, will help improve the quality of life of everyone who lives or works there.

"The independent inspector asked some searching questions before concluding that our policies were sound, which is really good news."