Betteshanger Country Park: hotel operator walks away from scheme

Wildlife and countryside-lovers alike can take a breather, at least for now, with the news that plans for a hotel and spa at Betteshanger Country Park have faltered with the operator having walked away from the project.

CPRE Kent had worked closely with Friends of Betteshanger, the RSPB, Buglife and Kent Wildlife Trust to protect this rewilded colliery site, so we were desperately disappointed by Dover District Council planning committee’s decision in March last year to grant Quinn Estates permission to develop a 120-bed hotel, spa and surfing lagoon on the park, which is both a fantastic community asset and haven for wildlife.

That planning permission is still in place, but the contract between the proposed hotel operator and the park has expired, the operator reportedly choosing not to continue with the scheme.

It is believed the owner of the park is considering other accommodation options, while the operator of the proposed surfing lagoon says it is still committed to its plans. However, CPRE Kent is joining other environmental-protection groups in urging a more nature-friendly future for the site.

To learn more about the proposed development at Betteshanger Country Park, click here