Folkestone & Hythe District Council Monthly Update: December 2025

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

The business case for the council’s preferred option for LGR in the county was submitted at the end of November.

The business case for the option known as 3a – made up of three unitary authorities suggested for East, West and North Kent – was agreed unanimously as the preferred way forward by the council’s cabinet members, reflecting the overwhelming preference of all councillors.

It was also supported by Sevenoaks, Maidstone, Tonbridge and Malling and Tunbridge Wells councils and was one of five options for Kent put forward to central government.

It is expected that the government will consult the public about the proposed options in the new year before making a final decision in summer 2026.

Protecting our district’s coastline

Shingle, equivalent to the weight of 33,000 cars, is being recycled and regraded in the latest phase of beach management work.

The work protects more than 3,000 homes and businesses from flooding on the five-mile stretch of coast between Fisherman’s Beach and Folkestone Harbour.

The eight-week project will be paused between Christmas and new year.

Officers have also been keeping a watchful eye on the district’s beaches after up to 10 tonnes of plastic beads used in wastewater treatment entered the sea due to a problem at Southern Water’s Eastbourne Treatment Works.

Many were washed ashore at Camber Sands but to date no great quantities have been found on the Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh coastline.

The issue was raised when council leader, Jim Martin, chaired a meeting of parish and town councillors and Folkestone and Hythe MP Tony Vaughan with presentations from Southern Water and the Environment Agency at the end of November.

Concern was expressed at the meeting about the continued use of the Hythe long pipe for untreated sewage discharge and Cllr Martin has pledged to continue to pursue Southern Water and the Environment Agency to improve bathing water quality, specifically at Dymchurch and Littlestone.

Plan for greener district

A blueprint for a net zero district by 2041 has been unanimously backed by the council’s cabinet.

The district-wide carbon plan sets out 54 actions for the council, businesses, residents and groups to tackle together the urgent challenges posed by climate change and ecological decline and achieve a more sustainable and climate-resilient future.

The plan is due to be launched at an event in January 2026.

Affordable homes taking shape

The construction of 20 flats and six houses is underway at the former Smiths/Portex site in Hythe. The affordable homes are part of a wider development being built by Roddy Homes.

At Risborough Barracks in Shorncliffe, Folkestone, 44 properties are due for completion in May 2026.

All the homes will be made available to tenants on the housing list at affordable rents through Kent Homechoice or shared ownership after the work is finished next year.

The Hythe homes are 100% fossil fuel-free and the Shorncliffe properties will receive energy efficient upgrades delivered to EPC rating B.

Folca 1 up for sale

The Edwardian section of the Folca building in Folkestone has gone on the market.

The 26,000 sq ft space in the former Debenhams store is being marketed as suitable for a variety of uses.

The council bought the Folca building in May 2020 and is continuing with plans to regenerate the Art Deco part facing Sandgate Road and known as Folca 2.

Suggestions for council debate

Ideas for topics to be discussed by the council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee are being welcomed.

To put forward suggestions visit folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/democracy/council-scrutiny and complete the online form or write to Committee Services, Civic Centre, Castle Hill Avenue, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 2QY before 3pm on Monday 26 January 2026.

Your District Today

The council’s magazine for residents has returned with an Autumn/Winter 2025 edition.

The free 20-page magazine is delivered to 54,900 households across the district.

The content includes a look back on 2025, winter walk and cycling suggestions and key Christmas dates including household recycling and waste collections.