We are pleased to announce that at planning committee planning permission was granted unanimously for a Retirement Village at Herne Bay Court, Herne Bay, Kent. We would like to thank Jessica Harrison Principal Planning Officer at Canterbury City Council and Joanna Dymowska Team Leader Development Management at Canterbury City Council and the rest of the team for their work to reach this outcome, namely; JRE Planning, HCUK Group, Arc Arboricultural Solutions, Bakerwell Ltd, HBL Associates, Cunnington Clark Ltd., 24 Acoustics Ltd, Right of Light Consulting, EPS Ltd - The Geotechnical & Environmental Engineers, SLR Consulting
News Article
Plans approved for mini-village at abandoned former Christian holiday camp in Herne Bay
Published: 14:44, 14 December 2022 | Updated: 16:24, 14 December 2022
Plans to transform an abandoned former Christian holiday camp in Herne Bay into a “mini-village” have finally been green-lit.
Herne Bay Court is now set to become a sprawling retirement complex, with a 60-bed care home, 72 flats and 49 bungalows.
A CGI showing how the scheme is expected to look
Members of Canterbury City Council’s planning committee - which met on Tuesday - voted unanimously to approve the proposals for the derelict plot off Canterbury Road.
Chairman Neil Baker told colleagues: “I think we all hope that once this actually gets built it’s going to be a positive, something good for the area.
“It’s nice to sit on this committee for the first time in a while and talk about a scheme that might be popular for the vast majority.”
Herne Bay Court used to have manicured lawns, but is now overgrown and an eyesore
The flats and bungalows will be for those over the age of 65 in need of specialist care, while the main care home will provide round-the-clock care for people over 60.
Residents argue the development will “only be good for the area”, as the landmark has been a magnet for vandals and raucous youths since the Christian holiday camp closed its doors for good in 2007.
Council planners had previously recommended the scheme be approved, arguing in documents that it “would bring a derelict site back into active use”.
Developers at Herne Bay Court released visuals of its bungalows
The new development will also host a shop, restaurant, and hairdressers - all run as part of the care facility.
A 117-home plan for the site was approved nine years ago, but the firm behind the project could not secure the necessary funding.
The land was sold to Xiros - the company behind the latest bid.
“The buildings on site are derelict and unsafe,” Xiros noted in papers lodged with the local authority.
A 1970s postcard of the rear of Herne Bay Court
“Vandalism is an issue here – despite security measures being taken – and it’s in the site’s best interests to develop it.”
First known as Parsonage House, the site was built in 1896.
It housed an engineering college and a succession of military units during the Second World War, before becoming a Christian conference and holiday centre in 1948.
The main building of Parsonage House is a mansion, and will be partially demolished and extended ahead of its conversion into a care home.
Cllr Neil Baker welcomed the Herne Bay Court plans
The development will host 151 parking spaces for both residents and staff.
Xiros expects the retirement village to employ up to 17 full-time members of staff.
Neighbour Ray Radmore, whose Parsonage Road cattery faces the land, previously told KentOnline: “We’ve had so much vandalism over there.
“Kids have been breaking in just for fun – it’s getting ridiculous and one of them is going to hurt themselves.
Herne Bay Court's north elevation
“It’s happening every week.
“At the height of it, people were taking the lead as well.
“Provided we have the right number of doctors in place, then it’ll only be good for the area because it’s a lovely green site in a perfect position.
“It’s going to be like a mini village, and it will be good for the community. Bring it on.”
News Article
Vandal-hit holiday camp site in Canterbury will be transformed into a mini village
Flats and bungalows will replace the derelict and abandoned buildings. There will also be a shop, restaurant and hairdressers on the new complex at Herne Bay Court
NEWS By Daniel Esson Local Democracy Reporter
Published: 15:33, 14 DEC 2022
Herne Bay Court will be transformed
Plans to transform an abandoned former Christian holiday camp into a “mini-village” have finally been approved. Herne Bay Court is now set to become a sprawling retirement complex, with a 60-bed care home, 72 flats and 49 bungalows.
Members of Canterbury City Council’s planning committee – which met on Tuesday – voted unanimously to approve the proposals for the derelict plot off Canterbury Road. Chairman Neil Baker told colleagues: “I think we all hope that once this actually gets built it’s going to be a positive, something good for the area.
“It’s nice to sit on this committee for the first time in a while and talk about a scheme that might be popular for the vast majority.” The flats and bungalows will be for those over the age of 65 in need of specialist care, while the main care home will provide round-the-clock care for people over 60.
Residents argue the development will “only be good for the area”, as the landmark has been a magnet for vandals and raucous youths since the Christian holiday camp closed its doors for good in 2007. Council planners had previously recommended the scheme be approved, arguing in documents that it “would bring a derelict site back into active use”.
The new development will also host a shop, restaurant, and hairdressers – all run as part of the care facility. A 117-home plan for the site was approved nine years ago, but the firm behind the project could not secure the necessary funding.
The land was sold to Xiros – the company behind the latest bid. “The buildings on site are derelict and unsafe,” Xiros noted in papers lodged with the local authority.
“Vandalism is an issue here – despite security measures being taken – and it’s in the site’s best interests to develop it.” First known as Parsonage House, the site was built in 1896.
It housed an engineering college and a succession of military units during the Second World War, before becoming a Christian conference and holiday centre in 1948. The main building of Parsonage House is a mansion, and will be partially demolished and extended ahead of its conversion into a care home.
The development will host 151 parking spaces for both residents and staff. Xiros expects the retirement village to employ up to 17 full-time members of staff.
Neighbour Ray Radmore, whose Parsonage Road cattery faces the land, previously told KentOnline: “We’ve had so much vandalism over there. Kids have been breaking in just for fun – it’s getting ridiculous and one of them is going to hurt themselves.
“It’s happening every week. At the height of it, people were taking the lead as well.
“Provided we have the right number of doctors in place, then it’ll only be good for the area because it’s a lovely green site in a perfect position. It’s going to be like a mini village, and it will be good for the community. Bring it on.”
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