Ambitious plans for a new Roman Fort-themed playground, cafe with coastal views and adventure golf course have been scrapped.

The scheme had been proposed for the East Cliff in Folkestone, and would have also seen a visitor centre and new car park created, as well as bringing existing facilities – such as the tennis courts – back to life.

The project was put forward by Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) on behalf of landowners Folkestone Parks and Pleasure Grounds Charity, which is made up of members of the authority.

But today, FHDC revealed the plans have been scrapped.

In a statement, the council said: “A scheme to increase facilities at East Cliff in Folkestone is not to be taken forward but sources of funding to improve the play area are to be explored.”

They added a “café or a mobile kiosk” could still be installed on the large open space, which overlooks the English Channel.

Plans first emerged for the visitor attraction in August 2021 with the aim to “deliver a new destination recreational hub that sits harmoniously within the Area of Natural Beauty”.

The scheme centred around an existing underground Roman Fort on the cliff top.

A wooden adventure play zone was to be themed on the fort, and raised mounds would have given visitors opportunity to walk to higher levels to overlook the coast and the play park.

Visitors would also be able to 'scramble' over some of the existing 'ruins'.

However, people living nearby reacted angrily to the scheme - fearing the loss of open, green space currently enjoyed by walkers and dog owners.

Opposition to the redevelopment was coordinated by members of Keep the East Cliff Green (KECG), with protestors taking part in a day of action against development of open spaces across the county.

Janine Gray, from the group, said in November 2021: “I feel our town is about to be crushed from all sides by building projects of various scales.

“This particular green space I had thought would always be safe.”

Members of Wear Bay Bowls Club, which is situated on the East Cliff, had also spoken of their disappointed to have not been consulted over the project.

Last year, FHDC ran a public consultation over the proposal, in which 1,200 people took part.

The results revealed 94% of residents claimed to use the land, with 89% indicating that the “open space in the area is important”.

At a meeting of the charity trustees, Cllr Jeremy Speakman (Green) said: “There were a couple of elements that came out quite strongly in the consultation.

“One was for a café or a mobile kiosk which could be self-funding or possibly generate income. I think there was also quite strong support for more biodiversity.

“To show that we are a listening council perhaps there is the opportunity to take those two elements forward.”

Trustees agreed recommendations that officers continue to explore all available funding sources both for the play area and to fund the cost of maintaining the existing sports facilities.

Any future improvement works will be subject to further public consultation.

Brian Adams, secretary of Wear Bay Bowls Club says they are “relieved” the plans will not progress.

He added: “Wear Bay Bowls Club are very pleased to hear that the plans have been scrapped.

“We anticipated this decision last autumn and spent £14,000 repairing the ditches around the bowling green.”

Canterbury Archaeological Trust (CAT) is due to start work near to the site of the existing Roman Villa at the East Cliff in August.

CAT is intending to spend two months leading community excavations to the north of the site of the villa. All are welcome to visit the site and see the work.