Proposed decision
To progress the Road of Remembrance embankment stabilisation works scheme through to delivery
Reason for the decision
On 27 January 2024, a major landslip occurred from a cliff north of the Road of Remembrance, blocking the road with a significant volume of fallen trees and soil. The road remains closed and there is a risk of further significant collapses with the potential to damage the road itself. In order to stabilise the cliff to protect this historic road and be able to safety re-open it for public use, it is necessary to fund and carry out significant engineering works to the cliff.
Background
After the road was closed and works carried out to remove trees and soil and stabilise the cliff as far as that was possible, various geological, technical and legal investigations have taken place to understand the issues and in particular to identify risks to the road itself. That has led to an understanding of the risks of further collapse and the potential risks to properties at the top of the cliff and to anyone who chooses to ignore the formal road closure below. That has in turn led to an options appraisal and the formulation of an engineering solution to stabilise the cliff, protect the public highway and safely re-open the road for public use.
Options (other options considered but discarded)
We have looked at other options including ‘do nothing’ and lesser designs but these have all been ruled out largely because of safety reasons.
How the proposed decision supports the Council’s Strategic Statement
Kent’s highways are a key enabler of all services and all economic activity that takes place in Kent, and therefore contribute significantly to all of the Council’s strategic aims. The proposed works to stabilise the cliff, protect the Road of Remembrance and safety re-open it, given the historic and local importance of this road, will contribute significantly to local regeneration and economic growth.
Decision type: Key
Decision status: For Determination
Notice of proposed decision first published: 24/02/2026
Decision due: Not before 25th Mar 2026 by Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport
Reason: To allow 28 day notice period required under Executive Decision regulations
Lead member: Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport
Lead director: Andrew Loosemore
Department: Growth, Environment & Transport
Contact: Alan Casson, Strategic Asset Manager Email: alan.casson@kent.gov.uk Tel: 01622 221896.
Consultees
The proposed decision will be considered at the Growth, Environment and Transport cabinet Committee on 10th March 2026
Financial implications: The cost of delivering these works is approximately £5m. Part Funding has been identified by re-profiling other capital projects and has been included KCC’s draft 2026/27 budget. Folkestone and Hythe District Council will also be contributing part funding to enable the works to proceed.
Legal implications: The proposed works are necessary to fulfil Highways Act and other duties, in order to protect the road from structural damage.
Equalities implications: Equalities implications An Equalities Impact Assessment has been carried out, and concluded that no protected groups are disproportionately affected by the proposed works. It was, however, identified that not carrying these works would disproportionately affect disabled people given the length of other routes between The Leas and harbour areas. Data Protection implications N/A