Issue - meetings

The Marsh coastal areas are much loved throughout the summer season and welcome large numbers of tourists as well as providing recreational space to local residents. Like all areas of Folkestone & Hythe’s District, numbers have increased year on year and increasingly during the Pandemic. Managing these numbers, whilst actively promoting and supporting the areas moving forward is important.

It details the request for an additional £518,000 in capital funding to deliver the proposed project consisting of beach huts, toilet facilities including a changing places toilet, a concession/café, car parking facilities and public realm improvements that will link with New Romney Town Councils “The Green” area to create a true visitor destination. The project also delivers a surplus revenue to the council from year one and continuing throughout the 25 year lifetime of the scheme.

The Marsh coastal areas are much loved throughout the summer season and welcome large numbers of tourists as well as providing recreational space to local residents. Like all areas of Folkestone & Hythe’s District, numbers have increased year on year and increasingly during the Pandemic. Managing these numbers, whilst actively promoting and supporting the areas moving forward is important.

The report details the request for an additional £518,000 in capital funding to deliver the proposed project consisting of beach huts, toilet facilities including a changing places toilet, a concession/café, car parking facilities and public realm improvements that will link with New Romney Town Councils “The Green” area to create a true visitor destination. The project also delivers a surplus revenue to the council from year one and continuing throughout the 25 year lifetime of the scheme.

Proposed by Councillor Collier,

Seconded by Councillor Wimble; and

RESOLVED:

1)    That report C/21/13 be received and noted.

2)    That the scheme detailed in the report be approved.

3)    That the £375k in this year’s capital budget for two schemes be used exclusively on this project.

4)    That a report be submitted to Full Council in July to ask for additional funding of £518k to deliver the outlined scheme,

5)    That officers proceed with a grant funding application to NDA/Magnox to support the project should initial discussions be positive.

(Voting figures: 9 for, 0 against, 0 abstentions).

REASONS FOR DECISION:

The investment into Coast Drive Car Park will create a Coastal Destination, boost tourism and business on the Marsh whilst providing an important revenue stream into the council. This project shows an investment into the Marsh by the council and with the proposed long term actions presents an exciting opportunity for not just the Marsh but the whole district.