9.5 Thanet possesses a large number of sandy beaches, whose characters range from intensively holiday-oriented beaches (eg: Main Sands, Margate) to undeveloped beaches with a natural character and appearance (eg: Grenham Bay, Birchington). The different types of beach offer opportunities for different types of recreational activity. In the interests of choice, the Council believes that it is desirable to ensure that the differences of character are maintained, and where appropriate, enhanced. Most beaches along the Thanet coast are internationally important for their wintering bird populations.

9.6 The Council's Destination Management Plan is considering potential locations for additional beach development, including accommodation, where it would be appropriate and viable. It is also investigating ways to improve the management of the beaches for the benefit of the tourism economy.

9.7 The following policies divide the beaches into three broad categories, in order to direct and restrict development appropriately to maintain and enhance their individual function and character, and to protect the designated nature conservation sites.

9.8 It should be noted that the intermediate category includes beaches which have scope for some further development, as well as those which are fully developed within the terms of the policy.

9.9 To provide for a variety of tastes and choice in the type of recreational activities, associated service facilities and degree of solitude on Thanet's coastline, the following policies will apply to beach development.

 

Policy E10 - Major Holiday Beaches

On those beaches identified as major holiday beaches below, the Council will support proposals for the provision and upgrading of a wide range of recreational facilities and services including tourist accommodation:

1) Main Sands, Margate

2) Ramsgate Main Sands

3) Viking Bay, Broadstairs

Proposals must also comply with the heritage policies of this plan and the National Planning Policy Framework.

At Margate Main Sands recreational facilities will be concentrated on that part of the beach at the junction of Marine Terrace and Marine Drive and the built form shall not project above the level of the seafront promenade.

Development proposals must fully mitigate against any impact upon the designated nature conservation sites, and will be subject to the Habitats Regulations.

 

 

Policy E11 - Intermediate Beaches

On those beaches identified as intermediate beaches below, and where scope exists for such development, the Council will support proposals for small scale tourism and leisure development (e.g. tourist accommodation, kiosks supplying food and refreshments, beach huts and beach furniture), subject to the scale of provision being consistent with the intermediate status of the beach and satisfactory design and siting of development:

1) Dumpton Gap (part)

2) Joss Bay

3) Louisa Bay

4) Minnis Bay (part)

5) St Mildred's Bay

6) Stone Bay

7) Walpole Bay

8) Westbrook Bay

9) Western Undercliff, Ramsgate

10) West Bay

Development proposals must fully mitigate against any impact upon the designated nature conservation sites, and will be subject to the Habitats Regulations.

 

Policy E12 - Undeveloped Beaches

On, or adjacent to undeveloped beaches identified on the Policies Map, priority will be given to the maintenance and enhancement of their natural and undeveloped character. New development including new built facilities, the provision of public car parking facilities and new or improved vehicular access to serve such beaches will not be permitted. In the exceptional event that development is permitted, proposals must fully mitigate against any impact upon the designated nature conservation sites, and will be subject to the Habitats Regulations.