A controversial plan to build an RNLI lifeboat station on Margate’s main sands has been axed.

There was strong opposition to the two-storey lifeboat and boathouse structure, with dozens of objections made against the plans submitted to Thanet District Council.

More than 40 objections were logged on the council’s website against the application after public consultation was opened and a Save Our Sands petition at change.org gained nearly 3,500 signatures.

The bid to build a boathouse on the eastern part of Margate beach, in front of Marine Parade's Victorian shelter, was approved by Thanet District Council in November last year.

Councillor for Margate Central Ward Iris Johnston said: “The decision was taken after a meeting to discuss the possibilities yesterday and a site near the harbour arm is under consideration instead.“

RNLI chief engineer Chris Refoy said: "The RNLI has decided to withdraw the current planning application for a replacement lifeboat station in Margate and will now work on a second application that will be submitted as soon as possible.

"As a result of thorough site investigations of the Kent coastline, we considered Margate Sands the best and preferred site for a replacement lifeboat station, and over the last four years we have been working closely with Thanet District Council and Kent County Council, who indicated strong support for our plans throughout.

"Since submitting our planning application it has become apparent that the beach site is no longer supported" - RNLI chief engineer Chris Refoy

"However, since submitting our planning application it has become apparent that the beach site is no longer supported by various parties, which led to a recommendation from the council’s planning officer to its planning committee that the application be refused.

"We have however received positive encouragement from the planning officer’s report and this, combined with a report produced by the council’s preferred design advisers, will be useful in informing the next stage of our work to build the new lifeboat station in Margate.

"A number of fatalities around the UK coastline over the summer highlight a clear need for the RNLI’s lifesaving operations, and we remain committed to building a new lifeboat station to facilitate launch and recovery of a new Shannon class lifeboat, and to house the accompanying inshore lifeboat and our beach lifeguard service.

"We would like to thank Thanet District Council for their input to date, and look forward to working with TDC and other stakeholders as we progress our new plans."