Hythe councillors agreed in principal to let Shepway District Council build a new leisure centre on The Green.

But transferring the land to the district council has not been agreed as councillors only backed proposals which still have to be agreed by the district council.

Town councillors voted to support making a deal with SDC subject to a number of conditions agreed last night.

The majority of the packed public gallery in the town hall seemed opposed to development on The Green and there were loud rounds of applause during and after speeches which opposed Shepway’s proposal for Hythe Town Council to transfer ownership to SDC.

But there was not a total lack of support for building on The Green as applause and calls of “well said” could be heard after arguments were made saying The Green provided a better option for the new multi-million pound facility.

Cllr Malcolm Dearden proposed an amended proposal with six conditions stressing the transfer of The Green to SDC would only go ahead “subject to agreement” of all of the conditions.

Councillors voted to support the proposal 11 to four in a recorded vote.

The decision spells the end for the debate of building the new swimming pool and leisure centre on the equally controversial former landfill site at Princes Parade on Hythe seafront.

For the full story see tomorrow's Folkestone & Hythe Express.