2002-2011
2011
Following defeat of the Town Green application, Officers were asked to give consideration to options for the site, which included fencing the site to prevent public access.
This proved a costly option and in preference to this, a study was commissioned to clarify the potential for meeting community needs which included leisure facilities, education, a range of public open spaces and any housing or commercial activities at the site. At the same time, a separate feasibility study - funded through Section 106 contributions from the Nickolls Quarry development - looked into potential sites for a new pool and recreation centre.
The decision of Cabinet authorised the Head of Strategic Projects to continue with the project and request that a further report be presented to Cabinet at the next appropriate stage in the project.
Town Green Application Details
Date 2009 (Application) - 2011 (Decision)
An application to register Princes Parade as a Town Green was turned down by Kent County Council (KCC) in 2011.
The application to register land at Princes Parade, Seabrook as a new Town Green, including a copy of the statement and minutes of the meeting, can be found on the Kent County Council website at the following link :-
View the Minutes of meeting
August 2008
Cabinet report which set out the range of opportunities that existed within the district, to develop sports and leisure provision in the district. It set out a framework for the improvement of facilities and for other initiatives across the district.
Provision of a new pool and gym at Nickolls Quarry was supported within the report.
View the Cabinet 06 Aug 2008 - Sports and Leisure Provision (PDF, 4.54MB)
Prior to 2008 related PFI reports
View the Cabinet 22 Feb 2007 (PDF, 121.55KB)
View the Cabinet 31 Jan 2007 addendum to report (PDF, 40.6KB)
View the Cabinet 24 Jan 2007 (PDF, 109.64KB)
View the Cabinet 13 Dec 2006 (PDF, 106.09KB)
View the Cabinet 30 Aug 2006 (PDF, 112.72KB)
View the Cabinet 03 May 2006 (PDF, 109.72KB)
View the Cabinet 05 Apr 2006 (PDF, 139.74KB)
Folkestone & Hythe District Council Local Plan Review 2006
The Folkestone & Hythe District Local Plan Review was adopted. This included site two site specific policies covering the Princes Parade site TM8 and LR9.
LR9 is a general policy seeking to protect public open space whilst TM8 support the provision of low key leisure facilities on an area of land at the eastern end of the site.
The District Council has sought, through the SDLP, to allocate the site for residential use. This was not accepted by the planning inspector who considered that the unique nature and openness of the site should be retained.
View the Shepway District Local Plan Review - Inspector's Report (PDF, 32.98MB)
2002 - 2007
The council successfully secured £10m PFI credits from the Department for Culture Media and Sports (DCMS).
The credits were awarded to enable the council and its partners (Hythe Town Council and Folkestone Sports Centre Trust - who also had to commit financial contributions to the project) to build a new pool and sports centre at South Road Recreation Ground in Hythe and improve sports facilities in Folkestone.
However, in 2007, following 'significant and fundamental' issues with the project concerning affordability and relationships between partners, the PFI credits were withdrawn by the DCMS.
Despite the setback, the council reaffirmed its commitment to replace its old swimming pool in Hythe and continued to look for a suitable site.