Development fears for Kent country park

Concerns have been raised over the future of Betteshanger Country Park in Kent after two applications for developments were submitted.

Plans for a new hotel and a surf lagoon in the country park, which is on the site of a former coal-mine slag heap, have drawn objections from Kent Wildlife Trust, the RSPB and the Friends of Betteshanger group.

The organisations are calling on Dover District Council's planning committee to prioritise wildlife and reject the applications.

European Turtle Dove is one of the most notable species at Betteshanger Country Park (UD Suragh).

Turtle doves at risk

Ben Geering, head of planning for Betteshanger, said the proposal covered only 10% of the privately owned park and included plans to protect existing and new species. A planning application for the site, near Deal, was rejected in July and subsequently withdrawn. Plans were then resubmitted in October.

However, the conservation groups say their concerns about the impact on nature remain in the current plans. An RSPB spokesperson said the habitats of European Turtle Dove, Lizard Orchid and Fiery Clearwing were at risk.

The plans for a surf lagoon include a café, shop, changing facilities, holiday pods and a yoga studio, as well as more parking spaces. The 120-room hotel would also include a spa, gym and restaurant, and both applications have been recommended for approval by council officers.

Nicholas Trower, planning and policy officer at Kent Wildlife Trust, asked the planning committee to "prioritise wildlife and put nature at the heart of their decision-making process".