The image is by Folkestone Harbour & Seafront Development Company - a city on our seafront, a blot on the landscape which would permanently change the open views to the sea and into our historic harbour.
Planning Application Number: 24/0505/FH - Refused on 21/01/2025
Proposal:
Approval of reserved matters (layout, access, scale, appearance, and landscaping) of Phases 5 and Phase 6 comprising Plots F1, F2, G1, G2, and H and the harbour public realm for the erection of residential dwellinghouses, commercial space, associated car and cycle parking, landscaping, playspace, public realm and associated services, amenities and plant and the discharge of conditions 8 (public open space), 9 (water use) 20 (biodiversity) and 21 (wind flow mitigation), pursuant to S73 outline planning permission Y17/1099/SH.
Site Location:
Former Rotunda Amusement Park, Plots F1, F2, G1, G2 and H, Marine Parade, Folkestone, CT20 1SU
DECISION: REFUSED in accordance with the planning application and plans.
REFUSAL REASONS:
The proposal would result in a significant loss of public parking spaces
which would lead to severe road congestion in the local area, giving rise to
substantial harm to the amenity of existing residents, future occupiers of
the development and visitors, contrary to Policy HB1 of the PPLP 2020.
The proposed housing mix would not provide for the housing needs of
existing residents, key employees and families and would not therefore
meet the needs of residents, nor would it meet the identified affordable
housing needs within the District, contrary to the aims of Policy CSD1 of
the Core Strategy 2022.
The proposed development, by virtue of the height, scale, presence and
design of Blocks F1 and G1, would give rise to substantial harm to the
setting of the former railway station building and the architectural treatment
proposed for the former railway station would give rise to substantial harm
to the historic significance of the non-designated heritage asset contrary to
the provisions of paragraph 216 of the NPPF 2024.
The proposed development, by virtue of its contemporary design, would be
in stark contrast to, and would therefore give rise to harm to the setting of,
designated and non-designated heritage assets contrary to the provisions
of 210, 215 and 216 of the NPPF 2024.
The proposed development, by virtue of its design, would be harmful to the
visual amenity of the area, and out of keeping with and significantly harmful
to the character and appearance of the harbour area and wider settlement,
contrary to Policy HB1, HB2 and C1 of the PPLP 2020.
Following this decision a further plan has been submitted to Planning at Folkestone & Hythe District Council under Planning Application 25/0158/FN
The covering letter from Savills (UK) Ltd who work on behalf of on behalf of the
Folkestone Harbour Limited Partnership seems to imply an ultimatum that if the Reserved Matters (RMA) are not approved access to the area to the public may cease, they quote 'The site's ongoing accessibility as an amenity for the enjoyment of the public is predicated on this application receiving permission'
I have added my objections to the plan and would urge you to do the same via the link provided by pressing 25/0158/FN, then press comments to add your objection.
The Consultation Deadline Date is 06/3/2025
Thank you for caring about Folkestone Harbour and wanting to save it from this revolting development.
Kind regards,
Georgina Baker