So it continues. Plot A, C1 and D1 of the Folkestone Harbour Seafront Development have permission to begin.
On the 19 March 2024, Savills for and on behalf of their client submitted
WRITTEN NOTICE OF INTENDED COMMENCEMENT OF PHASE 2 (PLOT C1) OF RESERVED MATTERS PERMISSION REF. 22/0625/FH;
PHASE 3 (D1) OF RESERVED MATTERS PERMISSION REF. 22/1207/FH
SUBPHASE 1 (PLOT A) OF RESERVED MATTERS PERMISSION REF. 22/0956/FH
OF OUTLINE PERMISSION REF – Y17/1099/SH FORMER ROTUNDA AMUSEMENT PARK, MARINE PARADE, FOLKESTONE, KENT
It is the intention that commencement of this phase will take place on Monday 25th March 2024.
In plain English, these plots now have permission and can begin.
In order to lawfully ‘commence’ development it is necessary to satisfy the legal requirements in section 56(4) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. This says that “development is taken to be begun on the earliest date on which a material operation is carried out”. A material operation can include any works of construction, demolition, digging foundations, laying out or constructing a road and a material change in the use of the land. The works must begin within 2 years of the final approval of the last reserved matters. Please note, however, that these time periods can vary, according to the what the planning permission actually says.
Plot A and Leas Lift Square will be located closest to the entrance to the Lower Leas Park and according to designs released by the developer will look something like this. The proposal for Plot A is to build 13 apartments within an eight storey signature building, providing panoramic views of the English Channel and the cliffs
Plot C1 will sit in front of Marine Terrace and will look something like the image below. The development consists of 110 residential units and 2 commercial units as well as supporting facilities and amenities for residents. The proposal is for a total of 106 market level residential units with on-site parking.
And plot D will look something like the image below. The development consists of 96 homes over five storeys – Undercroft and mezzanine car parking, plus external amenity spaces will be provided for residents
The buildings on Plot D1 also include on-site energy generation in the form of air-source heat pumps and photovoltaic panels on the roofs.
Rainwater will be harvested for use in the scheme’s podium gardens and sanitary fittings will be water efficient through measures such as dual flush toilets and low flow taps.
Extensive planting and a green roof will support local wildlife, encouraging a biodiversity net gain.
These three plots edge the development forward. It means those on Marine Parade will lose their views. And as the development gets ever closer to the Harbour itself, the views there too may well be lost forever. It’s so sad that finance can overrule those of a community, who have for so long lived with the views we have all come to love and cherish. All we can hope for regarding the Harbour is, Sir Roger has a change of heart.
The Shepway Vox Team
Not owned by Hedgefunds, Barons or Billionaires
