Claims that a decision has already been made to move Dover Leisure Centre to Whitfield without a public consultation have been dismissed.

Speaking at the Dover District Council meeting on Wednesday, Cllr Simon Bannister said Dover residents may view a public consultation on the plans with cynicism, when he claims, it appears the council has already decided on Whitfield.

Cllr Trevor Bartlett, portfolio holder for property management and public protection, said this is not the case but added that there will not be a public consultation.

He told the Mercury: “The leader and cabinet have made a decision not to have a public consultation but to have a cross-party working group with a member of the public.

“We do have scrutiny meetings at which members of the public can bring up items for discussion. The consultants have been in talks with users and organisations to find out the needs of Dover residents.”

Peter Ward, leisure centre campaigner and working group member said he felt there should still be a public consultation.

Cllr Bartlett added: “On balance, the Whitfield site would seem to better serve the wider district and the development of a new leisure facility here will support the council’s wider regeneration plans for inward investment in this area.

However, this conclusion is provisional and also depends on the financial viability of the option.”

The Sports Consultancy undertook a review of facilities in July 2015 which showed that Whitfield may be the best option.

The report was considered by the council on Monday, January 11.

Buckland Mill and Whitfield were the two sites agreed to have enough land available to accommodate the facility but Buckland Mill has ben allocated for residential development.

Cllr Bartlett explained that both sites would be a departure from the council’s strategy for town centre development.

Also as neither site is owned by the council, it is also subject to land becoming available.

Cllr Bartlett added: “Whitfield is arguably more accessible by car from the wider district catchment, which is an important strategic consideration, but is less accessible by foot, cycle and by existing public transport.”

The current Dover Leisure Centre in Townwall Street is no longer an option as the facility has fallen into disrepair.