Purpose

The report sought Cabinet
approval to enter into negotiations for a lease of approximately
2,200 sqm of land at the Port of Ramsgate for the establishment of
a fish processing and canning plant.
 
While a previous decision on 18
December 2025 recommended focusing on short-term income
opportunities (1-4 years) pending a Harbour Revision Order (HRO), a
commercial operator has proposed a long-term investment that
requires a lease term of up to 30 years. The proposal aligns with
the operator's requirement to process catch more locally to the
Thames Estuary and supports the council's objective to reduce the
Port's revenue deficit.

Decision

Cabinet agreed the following
recommendations:
 
1. 
The Head of Property enters into negotiations for
granting a lease for circa 2,200 sqm of land at the Port by the
Council for a Fish Processing and Canning Plant for a term of up to
30 years on prevailing market term;
 
2. 
The Head of Property agrees the final terms of the
lease upon satisfactory completion of all necessary financial and
legal due diligence.

Reasons for the decision

A key objective for the Council
is to end the revenue deficit at the Port and deliver a long-term
sustainable solution. The proposed plant provides a secure,
long-term income stream at market rent. Furthermore, the project
supports local maritime industry, creates jobs within the Ramsgate
area, and offers environmental benefits by significantly reducing
the road transport distances for fish products landed at
Whitstable.

Alternative options considered

Cabinet considered the option
not to pursue the opportunity on the basis that it did not meet the
initial criteria for short-term (maximum 4-year) leases established
in December 2025. This was rejected because the Council would miss
out on significant commercial benefits, local job creation, and the
opportunity to support a long-established company looking to
contribute to the regeneration of the area.