Major plans to transform Folkestone’s much-loved but broken Leas Lift have moved a step closer to fruition.

A planning application has been submitted for the cliff-side site – however bosses are still needing to raise more than £350,000 for the scheme.

The run-down feature has been closed since 2017, but will be brought back to life through a series of expensive repairs and renovations.

As well as fixing the Grade II-listed lift and improving the waiting room, the plan is to create a new building to house a modern cafe with an outdoor terrace.

An exhibition detailing the 100-plus-year history of the rare and Grade II-listed lift will also be installed.

The plans to fix the lift have been in the making for years, but the application – the first to be made for the project – is a major step towards completion.

The funicular railway, which connects the town to the seafront, was built in 1885 and is one of only eight water balance lifts in the country, of which only three operate using their original system.

Since closing due to a safety issue with its brakes, it has further degraded and in 2019 was placed on the heritage at-risk register by Historic England.

Bosses say the deterioration has led to increased costs and a delay in the start of the work, amid work to raise more funds.

James Walker-Osborn, trustee of the Folkestone Leas Lift Company charity (FLLC), said: “We have £351,000 left to raise, with a target to raise £140,000 of this from local companies, individuals and the community.

“The costs of the project have increased due to the continued deterioration of the lift and due to large rises in inflation and we have had to increase our matched funding target.”

Previously slated to start later this year, renovations are now expected to begin in 2024. However the project is still lined up to be completed in 2025 as originally planned.

Once the funds are raised, the FLLC will apply for a grant from the National Lottery to support the delivery of the works. The previous target for this grant had been £3.5 million, but this is now understood to be higher.

An excerpt from the planning application describes the aim of the project as to “create a regional destination” that will “reconnect Folkestone’s town centre to its seafront”.

Permanent displays will be added within the existing waiting rooms to tell the story of the lift - its history, architecture and its engineering.

A new building will be created as part of the scheme, on the opposite side to the pump room extension, planned to “harmoniously match” the original building.

The existing cafe, which will move from its current location in the lower station to the new extension, is anticipated to provide 34 internal covers, bar stools as well as 18 external seats on a new terrace.

An external ramp will be incorporated to ensure the cafe - as well as the historic building - can be accessed by all members of the community.

An accessible toilet will also be provided.

The planning application has been submitted to Folkestone and Hythe District Council and can be found on the local authority's website by searching for planning reference 23/0565/FH.