Plans for controversial surf park approved in Kent

Plans have been approved for a surf lagoon at a former Kent colliery

Plans for a controversial surf lagoon and 120-room hotel on the site of a former coal mine in Kent have been approved by councillors.

The application by the owners of Betteshanger Country Park was approved by Dover District Council's planning committee on Thursday.

The developers describe the project as "the first dedicated surf wellness resort in the world".

The plans drew opposition from local residents, the Kent Wildlife Trust and the RSPB amid concern about the impact on wildlife.

The country park is set in 231 acres of land near Deal which was formerly used as a spoil tip for the Betteshanger Colliery, which closed in 1989.

The Friends of Betteshanger Group, which has been campaigning against the new development, said a surf lagoon will be more harmful to nature than the hotel.

Group member Sue Sullivan said: "The decision last night was a tragedy for nature and a tragedy for all those local people who use the park for enjoyment of its quiet green spaces.

"Nature will pay the price as usual."

Resubmitted

As well as a hotel, the new development would include a spa, gym and restaurant.

Ben Geering, head of planning at the country park, said the proposal covered just 10% of the privately-owned site and included plans to protect existing and new species.

He said: “This decision is a win for nature and a win for the community.

"It honours Kent’s mining heritage by securing Betteshanger Park’s future and will boost the district’s economy."

A planning application for the site was rejected in July 2023 and subsequently withdrawn, before being resubmitted in October.

Huw Evans, director of the park, told BBC Radio Kent: "This is not about negativity, this is about embracing positivity and compromise, finally delivering what this park can provide for everyone."

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