4 days ago
Britain's ‘trendiest' beach town is set for biggest transformation in a DECADE as fresh plans unveiled
NEW plans have been revealed for a seaside development project - months after the council blocked proposals.
The seaside town was named
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The plans were narrowly rejected by the local council in January of this year
Credit: Folkestone Harbour & Seafront Development Company
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A total of 84 luxury beachfront properties have already been built at the site
Credit: Folkestone Harbour & Seafront Development Company
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The revised proposals could bring significant change the seaside town
Credit: Folkestone Harbour & Seafront Development Company
Folkestone harbour and seafront could undergo a significant transformation if development plans are approved.
While Sir Roger De Haan's Folkestone Harbour and Seafront Development Company has already made significant changes to the area - they are still awaiting approval for the eastern section of the
The company previously submitted development plans in January which were narrowly refused.
Councillors voted 5-4 to reject the application, expressing concerns about the design, heritage impacts and housing affordability.
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Public response was
After making revisions to the plans that address the councillors' concerns, FHSDC is hoping the new proposal will be approved at a planning committee meeting on June 17.
One of the most drastic changes between the proposals is a 50 per cent increase in public parking provisions.
The increase correlates to 323 proposed public spaces, up from 215 in the original proposal - as well as a car club that should reduce pressure on residential parking.
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They have also made alterations for the proposed plan to build 410 homes and 54 commercial units.
This will include 53 affordable homes, intended for shared ownership in order to meet affordability needs - as the original proposal faced backlash for failing to address local social issues.
The up-and-coming English seaside town with cheap booze and huge beaches
The new proposal includes more three-bedroom homes, as well as moving one of the proposed buildings away from the harbour station to "better respect" its historic setting.
84 beachfront properties have already been built, with prices ranging from £430,000 to £2.1 million.
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FHSDC released a statement clarifying the restrictions they faced under the council's Local Plan.
The statement from FHSDC reads: 'The original permission dictated, for example, the maximum and minimum height of the buildings, and a maximum and minimum number of homes we can build, and these cannot be changed through a Reserved Matters Application.
'Any revised plans must remain within these, and other, parameters.'
Local residents had previously
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One particularly outspoken resident, Georgina Baker, campaigned against the development as she believed it was "not the right development for the harbour" and that the "community deserves more."
However, FHSDC consultants believe the development would do more good for the area, with an emphasis on social benefit.
The proposal includes a new Section 106 agreement to contribute £5.19 million to local services including children's play areas, GPs, schools, social care, libraries and youth services.
This is in addition to the amount promised in the original proposal, bringing the total contribution to £8.72 million.
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It is estimated that the development could generate 760 long-term jobs, boost the local economy by £21 million each year, and generate £148 million during construction.
With the
FHSDC told
A spokesperson said: "Ten years ago, the original outline planning permission provided for the demolition of the station, Customs House and Signal Box.
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"At the time, these buildings were dangerous and inaccessible to the public.
"Sir Roger De Haan decided to restore and retain the station rather than demolish it and to prioritise its place in the development."
In addition to the residential properties, the
The upcoming planning meeting will decide the fate of the remaining section of the project.
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It comes as other areas of Folkestone are undergoing their own redevelopment.
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The town's
