Replacement play structure at Lower Leas Coastal Park, Lower Sandgate Road, Folkestone

“Proposal 3.1. Planning permission is sought for the installation of replacement play equipment on a smaller footprint than the existing, set away from the cliff face and to the north of Lower Sandgate Road. The proposed equipment would comprise a series of towers, slides, rope bridges, a trampoline and a climbing wall at a maximum height of 8.6m.”

“DC/25/45 Figure 4: Elevation 1 involves the use of high tensile mesh, soil nailing and draped netting to prevent any future landslips. It is proposed that the new play equipment would be constructed once these works are completed. Figure 3 below details the proposed site layout and Figures 4 and 5 show the elevations of the proposed replacement play structure.”

“99/0939/SH Erection of play equipment, construction of an amphitheatre, and replacement of a section of the Zig Zag path (regulation 3)”

“DC/25/45 and the proposed design and materials would be of a high quality. The proposal would not result in harm to the significance of nearby Listed Buildings and would preserve the character and appearance of the Conservation Area. The proposal would not be harmful to residential amenity or biodiversity and matters relating to slope stability are appropriately mitigated.”

“KCC Ecology: Satisfied with the conclusions of the Ecological Impact Assessment that there are no requirements for protected/notable surveys to be carried out. However, clarification has been sought by KCC Ecology as to whether the site would be exempt from Biodiversity Net Gain. They have requested additional site photos which have been provided an update on this matter will be given at the meeting.”

“Environmental Protection Officer: No objection. Proposal is not expected to result in an unacceptable impact on the amenity of nearby residential properties.”

“Public/Neighbour Consultation 5.2. 114 neighbours directly consulted and a site notice has been displayed at the site. The latest response date for comments is 5 th March 2026. No comments have been received at the time of writing this report, however, should any be received, Members will be updated at the meeting. Responses are available in full on the planning file on the Council’s website:”

“The Planning Officer advised the Committee that KCC Ecology have confirmed they consider the site exempt from biodiversity net gain.”

“That planning permission be granted subject to the conditions set out at the end of the report and that delegated authority be given to the Chief Planning Officer to agree and finalise the wording of the conditions and add any other conditions that he considers necessary.”