A Kent beach could be among 13 sites across the country set to gain official bathing water status.
Granville Parade Beach is now subject to a six-week public consultation, with the designation bringing regular water quality testing and increased protection against pollution.
The Government today announced the 13 areas under consideration for the status. Granville’s inclusion follows an application submitted by Sandgate Parish Council last August, supported by Folkestone and Hythe MP Tony Vaughan (Lab).
Water Minister Emma Hardy confirmed that the application will now go to consultation, which runs until March 23.
It will allow residents, businesses, bathers and other recreational users to say why the beach deserves official bathing water status.
Being designated can also bring wider benefits, such as boosting tourism.
Mr Vaughan said: “I am so pleased that Granville Parade Beach could be in line. I have cherished memories of the decade I spent living in Sandgate – swimming, paddleboarding, and spending time with my family and friends at this beach.
“It is still one of my favourite places to go and relax, especially in the summer.
“Huge thanks are due to Sandgate Parish Council for organising this application. If granted, it will mean we will get official and accurate water quality readings here. This will help keep local sea users safe.
“I will continue to support the application in every way I can. I would encourage everyone who loves this area to respond to the consultation and support this application.
“There remain challenges in other bathing waters in our constituency. I will continue to press the Environment Agency and Southern Water, as well as other duty holders, to ensure we see concrete action against water pollution on our beautiful coastline.”
Ms Hardy said: “Our plans to designate new bathing water sites show how we are backing local ambition and recognising the pride in places that matter most to people.
“This comes alongside this government’s generational reform of the water system, which will cut water pollution and clean up our rivers, lakes, and seas for good.”
The consultation follows applications submitted last year. Afterwards, the government will consider responses before confirming which sites will be designated ahead of the 2026 bathing water season.
Last year, 93% of England’s bathing waters met acceptable standards for swimming. The government’s new Bathing Water Regulation reforms came into force last November. This was to replace the “one size fits all” approach and more closely reflect how people use our beaches, lakes, and rivers.
The rest of the 13 sites under consideration are river and beach areas as far north as Northumberland and also include Canvey Island Foreshore in Essex.
