PROW NEWS – January 2024 UPDATES
1. Aylesham – minor diversions in connection with new house building
You may have seen in the press that diversions have been confirmed in Aylesham for both EE291/EE291A and EE261. Both are in the expanded urban area and due to new development, so unlikely to have much of a direct relevance to White Cliffs walks. As to the location of the two diversions, the first is in the area of Burgess Road and Kings Road, just north of the village centre, and not yet in force (i.e. the route on the ground is not yet ready). As for EE261, we are looking at a route already in place, running NE from Derwent Way, and the “paperwork” is essentially the work of KCC in rectifying mistakes made by Dover DC when they had responsibility for order making.
2. Continued (long-term) “temporary” closure of part of footpath ER37 at St Margaret’s Bay
Due to the potentially hazardous condition of the steps (at GR 368 444) up from the lower end of Bay Hill, this path, which gives access to the clifftop path going southwards, has now had its closure extended until 26 December 2025. The alternative route (signed) is via Beach Road at the back of the Pines Gardens.
By Christmas 2025, this will represent four and a half years of closure, and I feel I need to ask KCC what their plans for this route actually are.
3. Development issues at Betteshanger Country Park
Both the application for the “Surf Lagoon”, and the revised plans for a hotel, were on the agenda for the December meeting of the Dover DC Planning Committee. However, both were withdrawn from the agenda at short notice and it’s not certain when they will now be considered. Public comments made to DDC were running at approximately 60/40 in favour of the developments.
4. Proposed electricity converter station affecting Minster Marshes
Public consultation was recently taking place on this proposed development. Whilst it might not directly affect any PROW, it would have a major impact on the feel of the area and potentially on its wildlife. A huge converter station would be built just east of the railway line at Weatherlees, (between Minster and Ebbsfleet), with overhead cabling on pylons some 150 feet high crossing the river.
A development on this scale is dealt with at a national level, rather than by Thanet DC. There is plenty of information to be had online, with official plans showing the proposals in the document at https://www.nationalgrid.com/electricity-transmission/network-and-infrastructure/infrastructure-projects/sealink/about-sea-link/kent
Meanwhile opponents have set up a “Save Minster Marshes” Facebook page.
- Proposed Goshall Valley Solar Farm, Ash
Just across the Stour, in the area of Ash between East Street and Richborough, a formal application (DDC ref 23/01363) has now been made for a huge solar farm. Once more no PROW would be directly affected, but views from a number of nearby paths would be impoverished. Again, there is information on the internet, with one of the latest updates being at Solar farm planning application lodged for Goshall Valley, East Street, near Sandwich (kentonline.co.uk)
- Other Issues
Perhaps rather disappointingly, no “new news” this month on any of the outstanding path change issues. The Planning Inspectorate’s decisions on the proposed upgradings of status and new byways in the Staple/Goodnestone area are expected at any time, however.
As always, if you would like more details about any of the issues mentioned above, or any others for that matter, please contact Roger King on 01304 362730, or e-mail roger.rambler89@outlook.com
