Britain’s ‘trendiest’ beach town is set for biggest transformation in a DECADE as fresh plans unveiled
NEW plans have been revealed for a seaside development project – months after the council blocked proposals.
The seaside town was named Time Out’s top place to visit in the UK in 2025, as stats suggest it is one of the world’s most ‘up and coming’ beach destinations.
Folkestone harbour and seafront could undergo a significant transformation if development plans are approved.
While Sir Roger De Haan’s Folkestone Harbour and Seafront Development Company has already made significant changes to the area – they are still awaiting approval for the eastern section of the seafront.
The company previously submitted development plans in January which were narrowly refused.
Councillors voted 5-4 to reject the application, expressing concerns about the design, heritage impacts and housing affordability.
Public response was less favourable, with 96% of comments on the council’s planning portal objecting to the proposals.
After making revisions to the plans that address the councillors’ concerns, FHSDC is hoping the new proposal will be approved at a planning committee meeting on June 17.
One of the most drastic changes between the proposals is a 50 per cent increase in public parking provisions.
The increase correlates to 323 proposed public spaces, up from 215 in the original proposal – as well as a car club that should reduce pressure on residential parking.
They have also made alterations for the proposed plan to build 410 homes and 54 commercial units.
This will include 53 affordable homes, intended for shared ownership in order to meet affordability needs – as the original proposal faced backlash for failing to address local social issues.
The new proposal includes more three-bedroom homes, as well as moving one of the proposed buildings away from the harbour station to “better respect” its historic setting.
84 beachfront properties have already been built, with prices ranging from £430,000 to £2.1 million.
FHSDC released a statement clarifying the restrictions they faced under the council’s Local Plan.
The statement from FHSDC reads: “The original permission dictated, for example, the maximum and minimum height of the buildings, and a maximum and minimum number of homes we can build, and these cannot be changed through a Reserved Matters Application.
“Any revised plans must remain within these, and other, parameters.”
Local residents had previously expressed concern about the project’s design, as well as the lack of affordable housing.
One particularly outspoken resident, Georgina Baker, campaigned against the development as she believed it was “not the right development for the harbour” and that the “community deserves more.”
However, FHSDC consultants believe the development would do more good for the area, with an emphasis on social benefit.
The proposal includes a new Section 106 agreement to contribute £5.19 million to local services including children’s play areas, GPs, schools, social care, libraries and youth services.
This is in addition to the amount promised in the original proposal, bringing the total contribution to £8.72 million.
It is estimated that the development could generate 760 long-term jobs, boost the local economy by £21 million each year, and generate £148 million during construction.
With the luxury accommodation expected to attract wealthy residents, it is estimated to bring £9.4 million in annual spending, with almost £1 million in further tax revenue.
FHSDC told Kent Online that they hoped to correct the misinformation about the historic buildings on the development site.
A spokesperson said: “Ten years ago, the original outline planning permission provided for the demolition of the station, Customs House and Signal Box.
“At the time, these buildings were dangerous and inaccessible to the public.
“Sir Roger De Haan decided to restore and retain the station rather than demolish it and to prioritise its place in the development.”
In addition to the residential properties, the development would create 7,489 square metres of commercial space used for leisure facilities, restaurants, bars and retail outlets.
The upcoming planning meeting will decide the fate of the remaining section of the project.
It comes as other areas of Folkestone are undergoing their own redevelopment.
A £20 million revamp is set to turn the bus station into a central park – complete with a plaza area, fountains and surrounding gardens.
The town’s Lower Leas funicular is also undergoing a £6.6 million restoration – with the hopes it will be reopened by early 2026 after it closed nearly 10 years ago.