August 2023 – Update
Despite the holiday season, August has been another busy time for the New Folkestone Society.
The Committee met to discuss the Harbour Arm developments and prepared a response to the consultation on behalf of our members and the wider Folkestone community. Our survey is online at https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/harbour-plan-survey/ until mid October with nearly 900 surveys already completed.
We were able to discuss our thoughts on the Harbour Arm development with a huge number of residents and visitors at the Folkestone Airshow where the New Folkestone Society had a pop up stand for the weekend event. The Airshow was a great opportunity to meet so many people, including members and non members, and new and long standing residents, for whom Folkestone is a valued place to live. This follows our pop up stand at the Coronation Weekend in June where we focused on the Save Folkestone Library Campaign.
The New Folkestone Society continues to monitor and respond to consultations and to engage with the Folkestone, Hythe and District Council and developers in a number of plans including protection of Debenham’s Corner further to our online survey in which 87% of over 1,500 entries said ‘no’ to demolition. We place high value on this section, not only through location and contribution to the street scenery but it also matches other cherished buildings in Sandgate Road.
Do keep an eye on the New Folkestone Society website for new events and information on consultations, and in particular look our for two forthcoming talks: How Islamic Architecture Shaped Europe on 30 September and Leas Pavillion – Restoration and New Construction on 28 October.
We always welcome new members and new ideas to continue to make Folkestone a great place to live!
