A water sports and inflatable aqua park attraction has been voted through by town councillors.

Tonight's full meeting for the Sandwich authority passed the scheme, which is planned for the outskirts of the town.

Cllr Tony Broun told the virtual meeting: "It is important that we give a clear signal.

"This will offer something for local people and employment prospects."

But Cllr William Staple said: "I am likely to be one of the few negative voices.

"I am concerned as to whether this will be a viable proposition.

"I cannot see that it is likely to thrive as a stand alone operation.

"Consequently we would have an unused eyesore at the edge of town.

"I'm going to vote against it but I hope it works."

Cllr Clare Felton said: "I'm not against it but it doesn't feel like it's on the right site.

"It needs to be in an area of similar activity.

"It is better suited to something more of a resort town.

"So I cannot support this wholeheartedly."

Cllr Dan Friend countered: "It would be a huge benefit to the town for employment and I will support it."

Cllr Paul Carter added: ""We would have a world class facility on the environs of the town but no traffic through the town.

"Visitors would be driving along the Sandwich Bypass from Canterbury or Dover and there would be more than 100 parking spaces.

"We should be going toward activities for young people and for keeping people fit and healthy."

Cllr Mark Lintott said: "I support it, especially as Sandwich Wildlife Park is about to close."

Bosses today announced the park would shut due to the financial strains from lockdown.

Sndwich Town Council voted the aqua park through by majority as statutory consultees.

It will be later decided on by the planning committee of Dover District Council.

The town authority's own planning committee had recommended approval at a meeting on January 14.

The development would be called North Poulders Field and be located on the corner of Ash Road and the A256 Sandwich Bypass.

Access for vehicles would be from Ash Road.

The scheme, devised by Hume Planning Consultancy, would attract wake boarders and provide other water-based activities.

The cost for a 32x21m inflatable area is estimated to be nearly £47,000.

Plans are also for a reception building with ancillary uses, cable pulley system, inflatable aqua park, storage units, parking and landscaping.

To see more public notices, click here.

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