UPDATE: Plans for a new café and community centre near the seafront pool at Walpole Bay, Margate have been officially deferred due to significant parking concerns raised by local users. The Thanet District Council (TDC) planning committee was set to make a final decision on the project during a meeting scheduled for November 19, 2023, but a motion to approve the development was voted down after heated discussions.
The proposed facility, aimed at providing “much-needed” amenities for swimmers, was part of the broader £22.2 million Margate Town Deal secured by TDC in 2021. The plan included converting a shipping container into a café and community space, featuring toilets, showers, and a versatile activity area.
Despite receiving four letters of support, the proposal faced strong opposition, with twelve letters objecting to the project. Critics argue that the existing facilities are adequate, with local swimmer Lisa Harris stating, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Harris emphasized the need for environmental restoration over redevelopment, raising concerns about litter and the aesthetic of Walpole Bay.
During the committee meeting, one TDC official argued, “The proposal will provide the local community and visitors with much-needed facilities to serve the ever-growing number of sea swimmers and bay users.” The official highlighted the potential for job creation and improved safety through natural surveillance on the promenade to combat antisocial behavior.
However, council member Cllr Becky Wing expressed that sea swimmers seek a “peaceful experience in the sea uncluttered by this sort of stuff.” The debate lasted approximately an hour, culminating in a decision to visit the site on December 5, 2023, before reaching a final conclusion on the proposal.
TDC chairwoman Cllr Helen Crittenden indicated skepticism about the necessity of the development, stating, “I’m not convinced yet of the problems this development is intended to solve.” The outcome of the upcoming site visit may determine whether the café and community centre will proceed, leaving local residents and swimmers anxiously awaiting a resolution.
This development highlights a growing divide within the community regarding the balance of progress and preservation at one of Margate’s cherished locations. The committee’s decision to defer the plans reflects the ongoing debate about how best to serve the needs of both swimmers and the local environment, making it a pressing issue for residents and visitors alike.
Stay tuned for further updates as the situation unfolds.
