Two new planning applications for a hotel and a surf pool at Betteshanger Country Park in Deal seriously threaten the ability of this site to be effective ecological mitigation, and would put even further strain on the precious habitats and species that rely on this site for their survival.
Update July 2025 - Developer pulls out of hotel plans for Betteshanger Country Park
We've learned that the contract to build a hotel and spa at Betteshanger Country Park has now expired, with the planned operator walking away.
While planning permission is still in place, we hope the expiry of the hotel operator's contract gives the owners of Betteshanger Country Park time to pause and rethink the future of the park - one that boosts income in a way that doesn't harm the site's unique habitats and the nationally scarce species which call it home.
Meanwhile, a separate proposal for a surf lagoon is still moving forward. But to go ahead, it must still meet struct planning conditions, including working with Natural England to safely relocate sensitive species like the rare lizard orchid and fiery clearwing moth. These measures are essential if these species are to stand any chance or surviving in the Country Park once the surf lagoon is built.
Kent Wildlife Trust continues to stand alongside other environmental groups and the local campaign group to continue to advocate for a nature-positive future of the Country Park - protecting this incredible space for wildlife and for people's health and wellbeing.
Read more about the latest developments here
Betteshanger Country Park is home to a huge diversity and abundance of wildlife including the emerald damselfly, nationally important lizard orchids, skylark, turtle dove and amazing fungi and lichens.
The site has been subject to steady development pressure over a number of years and has recently been used as a mitigation site for the impacts of a nearby development on species such as turtle dove and reptiles.
Two new planning applications for a hotel and a surf pool seriously threaten the ability of this ecological mitigation to be effective and would put even further strain on the precious habitats and species that rely on this site for their survival.
Our members from across Kent and beyond can help to protect this important wildlife haven by signing this petition and by speaking out for nature in response to the two planning application consultations.
The friends of Betteshanger Country Park have launched a crowd justice funder to help save the country park's endangered wildlife.
RSPB
Friends of Betteshanger
The Countryside Charity Kent
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