A historic railway station that has been left abandoned for decades could be turned into a holiday park.

Plans have been submitted for 26 mobile homes at the derelict site in Romney Road, Lydd, which was hit by a devastating blaze last year.

If approved, there will be six single and 20 twin caravans alongside a small shop selling everyday convenience items.

The burnt-out former station building would be converted into a residential dwelling for the site owner, while the goods shed will be turned into a home for the site manager.

The application submitted to Folkestone & Hythe District Council (FHDC) says the new development would offer a form of starter home for young people trying to get on the housing ladder.

Applicant Keith Forward writes: “Residential park homes are some of the most affordable dwellings available, with costs significantly lower than purchasing an equivalently sized bricks-and-mortar house.

“Park homes are popular with young people entering the housing market, so are a form of starter home for many.

“They are also [popular with] older people looking to downsize, so the presence of a good supply of park homes in the local housing market frees up larger bricks-and-mortar properties for families.”

The application says the average asking price for a residential park home is £197,141.

According to Rightmove, the average property price in Lydd is £300,912.

The plans come after the former railway station, which is often targeted by vandals, went up in flames in November last year.

The destruction of a piece of the town’s history left residents heartbroken and a campaign was launched by Lydd Station Heritage Group to restore it.

Jay Dee, who runs the group’s page on Facebook, said at the time: “Our aim is to save the site.

“Romney Marsh has limited transport links and without a car, public transport is inadequate.

“Commuters from Lydd to Ashford, London, or other places outside the Marsh presently have two main options of driving to Ashford or Appledore for their nearest railway station or face a long drive.

“Lydd station sits there being completely overlooked and tragically wasted. The site has so much potential.”

The heritage group was unavailable for comment about the holiday park plans when contacted by KentOnline this week.

The initial layout for the development was for 30 park homes. However, this number was reduced to 26 due to site constraints that limit how much of the area can be developed.

Within the planning statement, it is explained that each caravan would have its own dedicated parking space next to the park home, plus one slot for the owner’s accommodation.

Furthermore, an additional five parking spaces will be provided for visitors outside the former station building.

The railway line runs along the north-east boundary of the area, and the disused railway station building sits alongside.

A decision is expected to be made by FHDC within the next three months.

Lydd railway station opened in 1881, with trains running until 1967, when the line was closed to passengers.

Good services continued until 1971, meaning the site has been out of use for more than 50 years.