New designs have been revealed for the redevelopment of a harbour - after the original plans faced a “brutal” backlash.

Dismayed residents had compared the look of the proposed tower blocks at the popular Folkestone seafront spot to something out of The Flintstones.

But in fresh computer-generated images, produced by former Saga boss Sir Roger De Haan’s company, the buildings now appear white rather than brown.

Following consultations last year, there is also a reduction in the proposed height of the blocks while the new style is described as “simpler and more unified”.

The buildings will be constructed on the car park of the town’s hugely popular harbour arm.

They are part of a wider masterplan for up to 1,000 new homes and 10,000 sq m of commercial space which was given outline planning consent nine years ago.

Under the Folkestone Harbour and Seafront Development Company’s (FHSDC) new proposals, the overall built area has been reduced by approximately 20% and the number of green spaces has been increased.

Sir Roger, who is chairman of FHSDC, said: “The consultation process for the harbour masterplan has been running for many years and, whilst we already have outline planning consent in place, we are delighted to have now finalised our design plans.

“These have been adapted and shaped following the latest round of feedback and we are confident that what is proposed is an excellent scheme for the site.

“Our plans will enhance the current spaces that have already transformed the vibrancy of the area, and create an exciting legacy project that will provide a year-round offering and a major boost to the local economy.”

Other changes to the original designs include a new seafront park, an “increased public realm” with wider streets and lanes - and a new panoramic rooftop viewing platform.

Duarte Lobo Antunes, who is one of the lead architects behind the scheme, said: “We have sought local opinion throughout the design period, and have adapted core elements of the plans to deliver what we feel is the best scheme possible within the constraints of the outline planning consent, granted back in 2015.

“Our overall aim is to produce a scheme that is of huge benefit to the town of Folkestone and for those that live and work here.”

A series of public consultation events were held in the spring and summer of 2023 to reveal the original designs for the harbour.

FHSDC says the the plans presented were a “work in progress”. After listening to the feedback, modifications have been made to the final proposals before submission to Folkestone and Hythe District Council.

When the original designs for the harbour were made public last year, they were ridiculed as “heroically ugly” – and compared to doner kebabs and even piles of poo.

Sir Roger later expressed how the backlash had been “brutal” but insisted he believed the scheme would still be a success.

FHSDC describes the new harbour arm proposals as having a “lighter colour palette” - and they do appear to more closely match other parts of the overall masterplan.

This includes the Shoreline Crescent flats on the beach which are now completed, with homes on sale for prices ranging from £430,000 to £2.1million.

The complex made headlines last year after emitting banshee-like wailing sounds in high winds.

Private Eye has also taken aim at Shoreline Crescent, branding it the ‘Worst Building of 2023’.

FHSDC brushed off the unwanted accolade saying “taste is a matter of opinion”.

The company also points out how, unlike with most residential developments, “improvements to the public realm” along the seafront have been completed before all the new homes have been built.

Completed projects to date include restoring and enhancing the harbour arm, which has become a tourist hotspot and is a key part of the town’s resurgence in recent years.

As well as this, up to £3.7 million will be given by FHSDC to support primary schools and education in the town, along with up to £1.3 million to invest in new local GP, health and social care provision in the area.

In addition, more than £925,000 has been allocated to the restoration and ongoing operations of the Leas Lift.