Home   Dover   News   Article

Anger at council plans to sell former leisure centre site Aylesham Youth and Leisure Centre in Ackholt Road

Anxious residents fear “eyesore” land where a youth centre once stood could be turned into housing as council bosses are looking to sell it off.

Kent County Council (KCC) has launched a consultation over plans to dispose of the site formerly used by Aylesham Youth and Leisure Centre in Ackholt Road.

Access to the derelict site is blocked off by concrete bollards
Access to the derelict site is blocked off by concrete bollards

The plot has been empty for a number of years after a fire ripped through the vacant building in 2015.

Fire crews spent almost eight hours tackling the blaze which spread across both floors.

What remained of the building was eventually cleared and now all that is left is a rusting sign advertising its former use.

Earlier this month, residents were invited to have their say about the future of the site in a consultation led by KCC.

While many neighbours would like to see the land finally put to good use, some fear it could mean more houses in their already busy village.

The former youth and leisure centre site is in Ackholt Road, Aylesham
The former youth and leisure centre site is in Ackholt Road, Aylesham

Jan Gray, who has lived in Aylesham for nine years, says she was not aware of KCC’s plans, but would be keen to see the space turned into a park.

“We are losing all our green spaces for kids to run around,” she said.

“It's not in a good state now, but I would love for it to be something for the community, a safe green space or even a hedgehog sanctuary.

“I know KCC is in financial difficulties, but I don’t think they should just sell it off to the highest bidder.

“The amount of building in Aylesham is becoming oppressive. I know people need houses but we just do not have the infrastructure.”

The former Aylesham Youth and Leisure Centre in Ackholt Road was destroyed by a fire in 2015
The former Aylesham Youth and Leisure Centre in Ackholt Road was destroyed by a fire in 2015

Aylesham, located between Canterbury and Dover, has been completely transformed over the past 10 years.

Since 2014, hundreds of new homes have been added as part of the Aylesham Garden Village development.

Lifelong residents Lynne and Ken Bingham say losing the land to even more housing would be the “worst-case scenario”.

“I think KCC should keep it and sort it out themselves,” Mr Bingham, 73, said.

“It caught fire years ago and it has been like that ever since, something needs to happen to it.

Children have turned part of the derelict site into a skate park
Children have turned part of the derelict site into a skate park

“There are workshops around it, so perhaps an extension to those is a possibility.

“We certainly don’t want them to sell it to a developer who will fill it with houses, that would be the worst-case scenario.”

Mrs Bingham, also 73, added: “We need something that benefits the community.

“They have built so many houses and the infrastructure is not here for it.

“Some people say they want it turned back into a youth club for teenagers, but either way it needs to be put to good use and not left vacant like it is.”

Cllr Jamie Pout (Lab), Dover District Council (DDC) ward member for Aylesham, Eythorne and Shepherdswell, hopes the site will be kept for community use.

Cllr Jamie Pout (Lab) represents Aylesham, Eythorne and Shepherdswell
Cllr Jamie Pout (Lab) represents Aylesham, Eythorne and Shepherdswell

"Selling it off isn't necessarily a negative because they might sell it to someone who can develop it into something positive for the community,” he explained.

“I think what would be frustrating is KCC just looking to sell this to the highest bidder to make a few quid.

“Local people would love to have a youth centre back because we get anti-social behaviour, like many local places do, which is somewhat inevitable if there is not a lot for young people to do.

“A youth centre here would be great, or something else the public could really get behind would be fantastic.

A former sports court on the site is now run down
A former sports court on the site is now run down

“It's an eyesore, so we'd love to see it dealt with.”

On concerns over housing, he added: “Housing itself isn't necessarily bad because there's lots of people in this village that want somewhere to live.

“But I think we've taken our fair share of development now, so it would be nice to see it as an open space, a park, a community centre or a youth centre.

“There was a Local Plan process (led by DDC), and I don't remember this coming forward as a site, so for KCC to look to dispose of it now, it doesn't fit into a wider plan for Aylesham, and that's a little bit of a kick in the teeth.

How the building looked before it was knocked down
How the building looked before it was knocked down
The “eyesore” site is now overgrown and abandoned
The “eyesore” site is now overgrown and abandoned

“For quite some time it could have been rebuilt. If KCC didn't want a youth centre, they could have done something else for the community.

“Instead, they've just left this derelict land an absolute eyesore.”

Residents have until Thursday, February 20 to share their views on the proposals before a final decision is made.

KCC has been approached for comment.

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More