CAMPAIGNERS protesting against the height of a seaside development at Ramsgate have taken their fight to the House of Commons.

On Monday night, 18 objectors representing residents associations and concerned locals travelled to London in a coach and delivered a petition signed by 5,000 people to the town’s MP Dr Stephen Ladyman.

Organiser Janet Woods said: “We are prepared to take our fight all the way to the European parliament if necessary. The building that will house 107 apartments and a hotel on the former Pleasurama site will clear the top of the cliffs by a metre and a half at Wellington Crescent.

“This is one of the finest Regency crescents with listed buildings in the UK and has a fantastic view of the seaside and the Royal harbour. We argue that the plan will spoil that view and ruin a visual amenity for residents and visitors.

“In April Thanet council appeared to have heeded our warning at a full council meeting and councillors agreed they would ensure that the top of the metal roof would be below the level of the cliff. But we understand that may not be the final outcome and we are determined to stand our ground. We will not let this lovely part of the Kent coastline be spoiled for a few feet of rooftop.”

Mrs Woods said the protest has been supported by English Heritage, and proposals are contrary to the local town plan that says views to and from the harbour must be protected.

Peter Landi, chairman of the Ramsgate Society, said: “I believe it is time to think again about the whole project and go back to the market place. It now has planning permission for retail and residential development and that was not the case when it was originally put on offer. I think there would be greater interest in it now.

“Nobody is against development on the seafront, but we want to make certain it is in keeping with the area. We must make sure there are leisure activities provided along this stretch of the seaside.”

Thanet council is due to consider the project at its cabinet meeting this week, and campaigners have invited Dr Ladyman to Wellington Crescent on Friday for an on-the-spot meeting.