There is strong opposition to plans for a new RNLI lifeboat and boathouse station in Margate.

Dozens of objections have been made against the plans submitted to Thanet District Council by the charity.

The objections come after the plans for a proposed RNLI base on Margate’s main sands entered the consultation stages.

Owner of Sundowners bar on Albert Terrace Duncan Bayles said: “This is taking up one of the most prime positions on the beach.

“We have been trying to attract people to Margate with Dreamland, the Turner and all these new bars but this is going to affect the business of every single one of them.

“This is the most awful place it could have been put. It is going to affect all of the views around and it will affect our own personal view considerably.

“It is taking up one of the busiest parts of the beach and one of the most beautiful parts, this really is going to spoil it. The position is all wrong.

“It seems like not a thought has gone into where they are putting it.

“What happens when it comes to the summer and kids are playing on the busy beach, how are they going to launch?”

Studio Four Architects have produced an image of how the new lifeboat station would look.

More than 40 objections have been logged since public consultation on the plans was opened.

"It is taking up one of the busiest parts of the beach and one of the most beautiful parts, this really is going to spoil it" - Duncan Bayles

The RNLI planning application to build a boathouse on the eastern part of Margate beach was approved by Thanet District Council in November last year.

Councillor for Margate Central Ward Iris Johnston said: “When we had the original discussion and they said it was in front of the Sands Hotel, I was not happy with it.

“I suggested Nayland Rock along with other sites and my understanding is they were looked at but weren’t happy to proceed.

“I need to look at the report to see why this site is the best option.

“We do need to support our RNLI but we do need to consider the local community who aren’t happy with the design and the position.”

A further meeting to discuss the position of the site will take place in the coming months.

RNLI spokesman James Oxley said: “We thoroughly investigated a number of locations, balancing the need for speed of launch and safety while keeping disruption to a minimum.

“We have, for many years, travelled down the beach for lifeboat launches and the new launching path would actually be shorter and safer than the current arrangement, which sees the lifeboat having to negotiate the busy pedestrian area at the Turner Contemporary before moving down the beach.

“All launches will continue to be supervised by our trained launchers.

“The new boathouse has been designed to fit in with the surrounding area and we expect it to become a popular visitor attraction for Margate.”

A viewing area is expected to make the new boathouse a popular attraction for visitors.

An area of the boathouse will also be allocated to engage with the public for sea safety education and the RNLI’s Community Lifesaving Plan.