A play area with a pirate ship containing a slide and climbing frame will be built outside Primark at Westwood Cross.

Plans for the new children's facility at the Broadstairs shopping centre also include a spinner bowl and 'tick tock' toddler equipment.

It will be located on the small piece of land outside the two-storey Primark store on Antolin Way, surrounded by a fence and some of the ground will be replaced with themed safety surfacing.

Planning officers at Thanet District Council nodded through the proposals from applicant LS Thanet Ltd stating it is on a modest parcel of land and will be used by existing customers of the shopping complex.

"The proposed children's play area is compact and will not significantly reduce or restrict the areas of public open space in this location," the team said in its planning report.

"The area immediately opposite contains low walled/seating areas and space for gatherings of people.

"The play area will serve a portion of the retail and leisure complex, in close proximity to a range of car parking areas, and is easily accessible from the path and walkways which serve Westwood.

"This use is considered to be suitable and compatible for this limited area of public open space adjacent to retail units, and will provide a secure and compact play area for predominantly smaller children by

virtue of the play equipment provided.

"This will increase the range of public facilities available in this section of Westwood Cross."

The piece of land outside Primark is used as a meeting point with seating and is also for seasonal uses as well as children's activities, such as the recent dinosaur display.

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