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Consultation opens for 'visitor' destination on Romney Marsh

Opinions are now being sought on the proposal to 'transform' the Romney Marsh coastline.

The project is to create a 'major beachside visitor destination' at Littlestone by installing colourful beach huts, boardwalks, toilets, a car park and a kiosk with cafe.

Visualisation of the proposed improvements to Romney Marsh's coastline. Picture: FHDC
Visualisation of the proposed improvements to Romney Marsh's coastline. Picture: FHDC

Space for water sports will also be included.

Folkestone and Hythe District Council is behind the scheme, destined for the existing Coast Drive car park and the beach in front of it.

A consultation is now open, with residents encouraged to submit their views on the proposal.

Documents state: "This transformational project will create a major beachside visitor destination for the Romney Marsh at Littlestone, New Romney.

"The project will support the local economy by encouraging new visitor spend and creating space for new businesses to establish employ and train people.

Coast Drive car park as it looks now. Photo: Google
Coast Drive car park as it looks now. Photo: Google

"(It will) protect and enhance the environment by using sustainable construction techniques, enhancing and managing the site’s appearance and biodiversity value, and attracting visitors away from more sensitive habitats such as Dungeness."

The literature says it will also "create space for inclusive community activities including a changing place WC for disabled adults, water-sports training and environmental and heritage education".

The plan describe the area at it is now as "underused, unsurfaced and visually unappealing" and provides "little community benefit".

The proposal includes 108 beach chalets, which are aimed to repeat the success of the council's just completed chalet project at Folkestone’s Coastal Park.

Folkestone's new beach huts. Picture: @thierry_bal on Instagram
Folkestone's new beach huts. Picture: @thierry_bal on Instagram

A car park will have room for 75 cars, electric charging points and disabled bays.

The "sustainably constructed" visitor hub will include changing rooms, showers, a cafe and space for water-sports training. New signs, planting, lighting, fencing and boardwalks will also be added to guide 'visitors away from sensitive habitats'.

The authority already approved its funding for the scheme earlier this year. The total cost of the project is anticipated to be £893,000.

Subject to planning permission, it is hoped construction would start in 2022 and the site would operate from summer 2022.

Residents have until November 30 to submit their views on the project click here to find out more.

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