Controversial plans to sell alcohol on a putting green and paddling pool area have been granted.

A council licensing sub-committee allowed this on condition that liquor would never be sold while the pool was open.

It allowed for its sale otherwise from 10am to 10pm demanded that CCTV would be in place.

The application was heard by the Dover district councillors this morning (Tuesday).

The scheme for Walmer Putting Green and Paddling Pool raised several local objections originally because of fears over young children being too near to people who had been drinking.

The sub-committee took those fears on board but dismissed fears of general anti-social behaviour from drinking as "speculative" and disregarded those in their deliberations.

However during the one hour and 20 minute hearing the applicant, Walmer Family Leisure Ltd, offered a major concession.

"An alcohol licence would cause harm and disturbance."

It said it would not serve alcohol from May to August on the pool area or any time the paddling pool was open.

Michael Humphries, of Walmer Family Leisure, told the hearing: "We don't want a massive beer garden. But we want to rejuvenate the whole site."

The sub-committee, at the council chamber in Whitfield, heard that there would be a small scale operation with eight to 12 tables available for drinkers.

The company also allayed fears of injuries from broken glasses by saying that drinks would be served in plastic containers.

It added that drinking would be in a limited area and people would not be able to take drinks directly to the putting green while playing.

Cllr Helen Williams, who represented 20 objectors, said: "Alcohol changes behaviour and not for the better."

She said there had already been incidents such as people urinating on the beach or on fences and hedges.

She added: "This would be unfair competition to local pubs."

Cllr Trevor Bond, also airing objections, said that the site is right next to the promenade, which families regularly use.

He added: "I do not believe that a licence would produce any tangible benefit to the community, It would cause harm and disturbance. The area is for families.

"Also Dover District Council is promoting a health and active lifestyle so how does serving alcohol fit into that criteria?"

The site is owned by Dover District Council but leased to Walmer Family Leisure.

Plans have already been granted to turn the area into an 18 hole adventure crazy golf course akin to Rascal Bay at Manston Golf Centre, which is run by Manston Leisure, part owned by the bosses of Walmer Family Leisure Ltd.

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