The plans for the beach in Kent have been approved
Planning chiefs have approved an opinion-dividing scheme for a two-storey café, community centre, accessible toilets, and outdoor cold showers at a beach in Kent.
As KentLive reported last month, a decision on the facilities near the seafront tidal pool at Walpole Bay, Margate were deferred so Thanet District Council’s planning committee members could visit the site amidst parking concerns.
The cafe for Hodges Gap Promenade, east of Hodges Gap, in Cliftonville, would have outdoor seating and there would be a small mezzanine floor overlooking the sea.
The community space could be used for school visits, fitness classes, and local groups, to name a few ideas from the council.
If the council, which is the applicant, has enough money left in the coffers, it will also install litter picking and recycling facilities; a drinking water fountain; a defibrillator and information boards on the bay’s history and ecology. And money has been set aside to run activities and engage with residenets.
There were around 35 official letters in support of the facilities, and around 38 objecting. One backing the proposals said: “I have been swimming in this pool for 14 years. It would be great to have a cafe, toilets and changing rooms. I usually walk down but I’m also looking forward to the installation of the lift.”
Councillors had said the scheme would provide “much-needed facilities to serve the ever-growing number of sea swimmers and bay users”.
But some locals objected, with one saying: “Limiting car park spaces and reducing disability car parking spaces and making it one lane access will only limit the accessibility of Walpole even more. Just build toilets and a sheltered space for resting. This is not good for the community.”
The new facilities are one of the projects of the wider £22.3million Margate Town Deal. The cafe will be “openly and competitively marketed as a commercial opportunity for a café operator”, said the council.
Cabinet member for regeneration and growth Ruth Duckworth said: “I am delighted that the Planning Committee has approved these much-needed facilities for Walpole Bay.
By delivering a new café, community space, and accessible toilets, we are enhancing the experience for locals and visitors alike while respecting the unique character of Hodges Gap.
This development is a fabulous investment in our coastline that balances modern amenities with the preservation of our natural environment.”
A council spokesperson said: “The objective is to create business opportunities and provide important amenities that will be accessible to all following with the restoration of the cliff lift.
“The project is designed to respect the environment, encourage new activities that help to improve local residents’ health and wellbeing, and support the bay’s growing number of visitors.”
The council also said a second phase of works was planned for 2026 to improve the tidal pool’s structure.
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