Breathing new life into the neglected buildings opposite Deal Castle should not come at the price of risking others, say councillors.

English Heritage has applied for planning permission to convert the cottage and stable in the Captain's Garden, opposite the main attraction, into an eatery with an outdoor seating area.

Part of the application includes a new pedestrian crossing in the form of an island to help visitors cross the road from the designated car park.

But while many are in favour of giving new life to the 'charming and sadly neglected little buildings', others have raised concern over the siting of the crossing which is between the junction for Gilford Road and the entrance to Deal Castle.

Both Walmer Parish Council and Deal Town Council have objected to the plans on this basis.

Cllr Alan Bailey said: "The crossing needs to be considered again.

"The site of the proposed island seems to be very near a very dangerous junction.

"It's a potential safety hazard, too close to the corner. If you were doing 30mph as people do, you wouldn't have much time to pull the brake.

"We think there's a better site further along which would involve moving the gate."

Cllr James Murray, chairman of Walmer's planning committee, said: "Our objection was made because we considered it to be too close to the bottom of Deal Castle Road and potentially too dangerous for pedestrians, particularly those who were elderly or used wheelchairs."

Kent Highways has raised no objection and 19 members of the public have supported the application online.

Fay Franklin said: "It will be lovely to see these charming and sadly neglected little buildings brought back to life for local and visitor use, and as an asset for the wonderful Captain's Garden project.

"Let's hope this can be done before the summer is at an end so that the café has the best chance of success."

Stephen Wakeford, from Deal With It community green group, said: "As part of the volunteer community garden group which attempting to bring the historic garden at the Captain's Garden back into use and public access I welcome this application.

"The neglect and non-use of buildings on the site have been a concern for many years. The idea of a café will help regenerate use of this important site."

If approved, English Heritage's application would see the creation of a new 28 seated café with the addition of an outdoor dining area suitable for a further 52 seats.

The maximum trading hours would be from 8am until 10pm seven days a week, although it is anticipated that these will be reduced during the low season.

Neil McCollum, English Heritage’s head of historic properties in Kent, said: “As part of our plans to enhance the visitor experience at Deal Castle, we are seeking to transform the site’s former custodian’s cottage – located just across the road – into a vibrant café for the whole community to enjoy.

"The proposed pedestrian crossing will enable visitors to safely cross over the busy A258 to access the café as well as the town and beach, and we are working closely with Dover District Council, Kent County Council, and other partners to identify the most suitable location for the crossing, while being mindful of the castle’s historic setting.

"We are encouraged by the community’s positive responses to our proposals for the café, and look forward to hearing the local authorities’ decision in due course.”

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