Working alongside Folkestone Running Club and Guy Hollaway Architects, the team at DHA produced a supporting statement which demonstrated that there was a need for the proposed athletics facility at the Three Hills Sports Park in Folkestone.
The proposal will support the demand from local running clubs, as well as providing the benefits of a venue which could be utilised by more than 20 primary and secondary schools within a two-mile catchment of the site. The proposed development will increase the opportunity for local schools to incorporate track and field sports into their curriculum, and increase participation locally.
Alternative facilities outside of the district were considered but increased travel times were not cost effective for school children or athletes, particularly from the more deprived areas of the district.
As a result of the work by DHA, Sport England and UK Athletics confirmed that they were both satisfied and removed their objection. The application was subsequently approved at Folkestone and Hythe District Council’s September planning committee.