Plans have been unveiled for a new-look Radnor Park, with a much larger play area for children.

An application has been lodged by Shepway District Council (SDC) as part of its improvement scheme for the upper Radnor Park area.

The application, which is due to go before planning members at SDC, seeks permission for the formation of a new play area, including the erection of play equipment, surfacing and landscaping.

It will be based in three separate sections, taking up more space than the existing small playground.

In plans available to view on the council’s planning portal, there are proposals to include a toddler’s zone, a general play area and an adventure play section.

The existing fountain, next to Radnor Lodge, and the toilets will also be updated.

A zip wire could be installed at a later date, subject to funding.

The design statement says the plans aim to encourage play, sports and fitness. There would be climbing frames and equipment suitable for children of all abilities, aged up to 18.

The concrete and uneven pathways would be replaced with gravel, and the existing trees would be retained where possible.

SDC leader David Monk said: “The new playground is a grass-roots, community-backed project.

“The Radnor Park Community Group has raised £50,000 through our Community Chest Fund, and this helped secure a further £55,000 from the Roger de Haan Charitable Trust.

“The planning application represents a key milestone in our ambitions to transform Radnor Park, which has already seen the restoration of an old park keeper’s lodge into a wonderful tea room – thanks to the partnership between the council and East Kent College – and the new play area and landscaping looks set to add to the park’s improvements. The third part will be the restoration of a former fountain.”

At the moment, the park has a small enclosed playground with one climbing frame, a set of swings and a see-saw.

Last year the derelict Radnor Park Lodge was transformed into a working tea room with the help of students at East Kent College in Shorncliffe Road.

Carpentry students helped with the construction, and catering students continue to help run it.

The council hopes to make a decision on the plans by Tuesday, February 13.