Plans in for Kent surf lagoon at former colliery site

Developer Seahive has submitted a planning application for a surf lagoon resort to be located on the former Betteshanger colliery site near Deal in Kent.

Plans for the 15-acre site feature a Wavegarden Cove surf lagoon at the centre, which can generate more than 20 different wave types from 50cm-high to 2m-high.

Overlooking the lagoon there will be a clubhouse featuring a surf academy as well as a restaurant and bar, conference facility, retail outlet, chill out spaces, dedicated work area and immersive balcony.

Surrounding the lagoon, a number of interconnected ‘hives’ of activity are planned, including a wellness facility with yoga and fitness zones, cold water therapy and meditation pavilions, pump track and splash pool. There are also a small number of sustainably-designed holiday lodges.

Seahive also aims to create a separate area of over 28 acres dedicated to an ecologically-led regime of enhancements and management, including an ecology warden.

Seahive Founder Jim Storey said: “My vision has always been far greater than just creating an inland surf lagoon. The Seahive is a purpose-driven, inclusive business anchored around the power of blue health and its impact on both physical and mental wellbeing.

“We are passionate about creating an immersive, authentic destination that empowers people to push boundaries in a safe environment, improves and protects wellbeing, encourages communities to connect, creates environmental changemakers, equips kids with knowledge and self-belief, increases tourism, supports local businesses and generates hundreds of jobs.”