South Kent Methodist Circuit and Folkestone Rainbow Centre withdraw planning application for Sandgate Road
19 June 2026
The South Kent Methodist Circuit and the Folkestone Rainbow Centre have jointly agreed to withdraw their planning application for a new community facility on Sandgate Road, Folkestone.
Both organisations have concluded, after careful consideration, that it is no longer feasible to hope to raise sufficient funds to support the capital development of the community facility. To press ahead without a clear and credible path to financing construction would not serve the community the project was designed to help.
“This was not an easy decision. But we are not stepping back from Folkestone or from the people who need support here. We are stepping back from one approach and looking for a more impactful one.” — Adrian Roux, Superintendent, South Kent Methodist Circuit
The planning application withdrawal comes at a time when Folkestone is facing real and growing pressure, and the South Kent Methodist Circuit is more committed than ever to working alongside the Folkestone Rainbow Centre to support those facing the greatest hardship in the town.
The partnership between the two organisations will continue. Rather than investing capital in a new building at this stage, both organisations will concentrate on the relationships and programmes that serve people directly. The Folkestone Rainbow Centre will continue to operate from its existing premises, and the Circuit will work alongside it as the collaboration takes on a new form.
‘Our commitment to the people of Folkestone and the South Kent Methodist Circuit continues, as we work together to help to restore stability, dignity and hope for those experiencing deprivation and hardship in our town’, Dr Peter Le Feuvre, the Chair of Trustees of the Rainbow Centre, has confirmed.
The South Kent Methodist Circuit comprises fifteen chapels across nine churches in the Ashford and Folkestone & Hythe areas. The Folkestone Rainbow Centre is a charity that has, for over forty years, supported individuals and families experiencing deprivation, hardship or homelessness. Both organisations have deep roots in the communities they serve and are determined that the people who need them most in Folkestone will not be left without support.
All enquiries should be directed to enquiries@rainbow-centre.org