Public's future access to Folkestone Harbour 'in jeopardy' if 410 homes project is rejected warns multimillionaire behind scheme

Saga billionaire Sir Roger De Haan has spent millions on the seafront regeneration
-Credit:Reach Publishing Services Limited


The future of key Folkestone projects, including access to the popular Harbour Arm and funding for the historic Leas Lift, has been put into 'jeopardy' after the rejection of controversial plans from multimillionaire Sir Roger De Haan.

The Folkestone Harbour & Seafront Development Company (FHSDC), led by Sir De Haan, saw its plans for 410 new homes refused by Folkestone & Hythe District Council despite the recommendation of its own planning officers.

Shortly after the decision was made, FHSDC submitted revised proposals in a bid to overturn the rejection. While the new plans retain the core elements of the original scheme, including 410 homes and 54 commercial units, amendments have been made to parking provisions, reducing residential spaces while increasing visitor and commercial parking from 328 to 500 spaces.

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A covering letter from estate agents Savills, acting on behalf of FHSDC, has raised concerns that rejection of the plans could block public access to the Harbour Arm. It reads: “Access to the Harbour Arm as an amenity for the public is predicated on this project getting the green light.”

The Folkestone Harbour Arm is a privately owned site that has been regenerated as a public space by Sir de Haan who invested millions of pounds. With its restaurants, bars and markets, the area is attracting people from across Kent and further afield every year.

Saga billionaire Sir Roger De Haan is behind the project
Saga billionaire Sir Roger De Haan

The letter reveals that FHSDC is prepared to appeal the council’s decision but hopes the revised submission will address concerns raised by councillors during the planning meeting. The resubmission includes a £5.16 million Section 106 contribution, funding earmarked for community projects that will only be secured if the development is approved.

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The key allocations include £318,011 for the restoration of the Leas Lift, a Grade II* listed heritage asset, £1.7 million for play spaces and primary education, £1.8 million for improvements to public areas, cycling and walking routes, and parking, £138,000 for social care, adult learning, libraries, and youth services and £357,000 towards a new GP surgery.

Regarding the Leas Lift, the letter reads: "The final Leas Lift contribution of £318,011.26 is only provided if permission is granted to this RMA (Reserved Matters) which, if not approved, will place the restoration and refurbishment of the Grade II* listed heritage asset in jeopardy.

CEO of the Folkestone Leas Lift Company Charity Floortje Hoette, acknowledged the potential funding shortfall but remained optimistic. She said: “It would be very disappointing to have a shortfall in funding, and it would put us in a challenging position. However, we have overcome many challenges over the last few years and have raised almost £7 million to restore the historically significant Leas Lift for the Folkestone community. We do not envisage any interruption to the planned restoration works.”

The development has sparked strong opinions on both sides. Critics argue that the project disregards local needs and threatens the character of Folkestone. Georgina Baker, a campaigner against the plans, said: “It worries me that a democratic vote against this development could be swayed by what seem to be threats—suggesting that access to the Harbour Arm or vital funding could be withheld if the project doesn’t go ahead.

A visualisation of the harbour station
A visualisation of the harbour station -Credit:Folkestone and Hythe District Council

“This build does not provide for Folkestone’s real housing needs. Over 90% of public consultation responses opposed it. What is ‘affordable’ when the cheapest one-bedroom flat in a related development, Plot B Shoreline, is priced at £395,000?”
Another resident echoed concerns: “Visitors come to Folkestone to see an old Victorian town with a vibrant harbour area. If this becomes a housing estate, there’ll be nothing left worth visiting.”
However, supporters see the project as a much-needed investment in the town’s future. One comment on the planning portal read:

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“This will be a great addition to the town, creating jobs, boosting the economy, and attracting more investment.”
Another added: “Folkestone urgently needs regeneration. More people moving here will bring life back to the High Street.”

A Folkestone & Hythe District Council spokesperson said: “We can confirm that a letter from Savills has been received as part of the resubmission of the application concerning development on the site of the former Rotunda Amusement Park, Marine Parade, Folkestone.”

Following last month's decision, councillor Bridget Chapman, speaking on behalf of Folkestone Town Council, said it was the right decision to reject the project, and urge the developer to "consider their position before appealing it."

She said: "If this development is going to happen and be successful then it needs to provide the homes and amenities that this community needs. However, it is imposed as it currently stands on the town, then I don't see how it can work."