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Oyster King's Beach Plan Sparks Town Fury
16 Aug
Summary
- James Green's oyster company seeks restaurant seating expansion onto beach.
- Residents call expansion a 'carbuncle' and 'horrifying intrusion'.
- The company has a long history dating back to 1793.
The Whitstable Oyster Fishery Company (WOFC), run by James Green, is embroiled in a dispute over its proposal to expand the seating area of its restaurant, the Forge, onto a section of beach. This beach is currently used for storing boats by the Whitstable Yacht Club. The company, whose history dates back to 1793, harvests approximately 2 million oysters annually and employs 200 people.
Local residents have vehemently opposed the expansion, with submissions describing the plan as a 'carbuncle' and a 'horrifying visual, physical and commercial intrusion.' The Environment Agency has also raised concerns about the impact on flood defenses. This opposition highlights a perceived tension between commercial enterprise and community sentiment in the coastal town.
Green argues that the expansion is necessary for business growth and to maintain Whitstable's reputation as 'Britain's Oysteropolis.' He believes the country struggles with commercial expansion and that locals dislike change. Previous attempts by the company to expand have faced significant public and official resistance.
