A pilot scheme has been launched by Thanet council to offer concessions at 17 of the isle’s beaches and bays – with hopes of attracting ‘unique and innovative ideas.’
Sectors invited to apply include food and drink – not alcohol- fitness and leisure and water sports.
There are a limited number of opportunities available, on a first come first served basis. The licences start on Thursday 1 May on either a seasonal or annual basis.
Andreea Plant, Head of Property at Thanet District Council, said: “As a council, we’re committed to making the most of Thanet’s award-winning coastline for both residents and visitors. We’re also keen to support people and businesses who share our vision for a thriving coast.
“We’ve listened to feedback from people who’ve asked for a wider range of facilities and activities along our coastline. Numerous local businesses have approached us with interesting business ideas that could add to the range of experiences for local people and visitors.
“In response, we’ve launched a pilot scheme to offer seasonal licences on 17 of our beaches and bays. We’ve intentionally chosen locations where we don’t currently have a broad mix of concessions or other activities. Licence applications are invited from small businesses, start-ups, and seasonal traders.
“We’re particularly keen to encourage applications from people and businesses with unique and innovative ideas, that come from a range of sectors including food and drink, fitness and leisure, and water sports.
“In this first year, we’re testing the demand for these licences, and will adapt our planning and pricing strategies for future years.
“Detailed information about the available sites and the application process can be found on the council’s website. The deadline for applications is Monday 14 April.”
Licences are not available at: Joss Bay (pictured), Viking Bay and Louisa Bay in Broadstairs, and Pegwell Bay in Ramsgate.
Licences can be applied for at:
- Botany Bay
- Dumpton Gap
- Eastern Undercliff
- Epple Bay
- Foreness Bay
- Greenham Bay
- Kingsgate Beach
- Margate Sands
- Minnis Bay
- Ramsgate
- Sacketts Gap
- St Mildreds Bay
- Stone Bay
- Walpole Bay
- West Bay
- Westbrook Bay
- Western Undercliff
Licence fees are payable and, if the pilot is successful, may be renewable. Charges are set by business type and do not change by location.
The licence is given for one main unit or trailer to be on site. Any other vehicle used to tow a unit, trailer, or equipment to the pitch must be removed during trading hours.
Electricity and water is not provided although non-fuelled generators will be permitted but noise must be kept to a minimum.
Tourism contributes at least £349 million to the Thanet economy each year supporting 8,257 jobs. Around 4.6 million visitors come to Thanet every year.
Further information is available by emailing: [email protected]
Only a good idea if TDC supply more litter pickers and road sweepers.Every single litter bin in Broadstairs was overspilling along the coastline on Saturday and Sunday with litter everywhere. Not only polluting the beach and blowing rubbish in all the sudesteets.Never to be picked by TDC and the holiday season hasnt even started yet.
Its people who create litter
Felt sorry for Joss Bay surf school today. Looked like they had a lot of school kids in the surf school on the beach and the toilets are still not opened. Loads of people along Viking Bay today too enjoying a walk in the sun and the toilets near the clocktower are still locked up.
Come on TDC. They were open at the weekend. Do your bit to encourage tourism and businesses to thrive. It’s not difficult.
i wonder if these will fall into the hands of friends and familys as it used to n the past ??
Is there such a thing as an all electric ice cream van in thanet? How could any existing van comply with the “non-fuelled generator” requirement?
I agree its people who throw litter but the bins overspill because there are not enough bins supplied.Most seaside resorts I travel to have plenty of bins.Apparently the reason overspilling bins were polluting our coastline….was TDC didnt anticipate the good weather.Must have been the only people in the South East who wereng in the know.
Every single year without fail, TDC tell us this year will be different. There won’t be chaos and littering all over the beaches and the bins will all be emptied regularly.
Every single year without fail, at the first sign of warm weather their plan completely falls apart.
It would be funny if it wasn’t so predictable and annoying.
Hope someone with new ideas and enthusiasm takes over near Bethesda, at the moment you get served through the door not like it was with cooked food. Pretty appalling really.