PLANS for a new attraction set to open in the UK that will be the “first of its kind” have been given the green light.
The Seahive is set to be a huge new water attraction near Deal in Kent, at Betteshanger Park.
SWNSThe resort will have its own 120-room hotel for overnight guests[/caption]
SWNSIt will offer surfing lessons and sessions for people of all standards[/caption]
.betteshanger-park.The surf lagoon would be the first of its kind in the world according to developers[/caption]
It could be the world’s first surfing wellness resort when it finally opens – with a launch date taking a step closer following the approval of plans.
The surf lagoon would also have a 120-room hotel for overnight guests, and would be built on the site of a former coal mine that closed in 1989.
The application was put forward by the owners of Betteshanger Country Park and was given the go-ahead by Dover District Council’s planning committee earlier this week.
The developers are very optimistic about the project, labelling it “the first dedicated surf wellness resort in the world”.
It resort’s main feature would be a lagoon and surf pool, where both beginners and experts can practise their surfing.
Waves at the attraction will range in size from 50cm to 2m, with classes for surfers of all standards as well.
However, there won’t only be facilities for those who like to take to the waves.
There’ll be a skate park for skateboards, bikes and scooters, along with a wellness area and spa.
A gym and a restaurant have also been included in the plans.
There have been some local complaints about the construction of the resort, with those against the plans saying it would affect the wildlife, especially Lizard Orchids and Turtle Doves.
However, Ben Geering, head of planning at the countrrk, said the proposal covers just 10 per cent of the site and includes plans to protect plants and animals.
He told the BBC: “This decision is a win for nature and a win for the community.
“It honours Kent’s mining heritage by securing Betteshanger Park’s future and will boost the district’s economy.”
Huw Evans, director of the park, told BBC Radio Kent that the resort was “not about negativity” and instead was about “embracing positivity and compromise”.
Five new water attractions opening in the UK next year
Therme Manchester will have 25 swimming pools, 25 water slides and an indoor beach.
Modern Surf Manchester will be a surfing lagoon offering lessons to both beginners and experts.
Chessington World of Adventures waterpark is set to have wave, infinity and spa pools as well as waterslides and cabanas.
The Cove Resort, Southport is likely to have a water lagoon and a thermal spa with steam rooms and saunas.
The Seahive, Deal plans to be the “surfing wellness resort” in the UK.
As part of their efforts to protect the site’s wildlife, the owners have vowed to move 600 of the 3,000 Lizard Orchids to another area, while creating nine acres of new land for Turtle doves.
A wildlife warden will also be introduced to maintain the area.
The website explains: “We believe we have a solution to secure the future of the park, its wildlife and all the value that both bring to the local community.”
Seahive’s founder Jim Storey previously explained that despite Deal being near the sea, there were very few surfing attractions or opportunities for people to learn how to surf.
Instead, anyone wanting to try the sport would have to travel further afield.
He previously said: “Kent is not renowned for its surfing at all, in fact, a lot of people who love surfing drive six hours to Cornwall or hop on a flight somewhere abroad.”
Ticket prices and an official opening date are yet to be announced.
The resort had originally hoped to open by 2025, but that now appears unlikely because of the delays caused by waiting for planning approval.
Meanwhile, this surf lagoon is hoping to open in Scotland in the coming years.
And these huge new water attractions are set to open across Europe.
SWNSThe resort has been given the go ahead by the council in Kent[/caption]“}]]