The start date for work to build 84 'attractive' seafront homes is still unknown...12 months after the planning application was submitted.

The proposals for phase one of a planned beach-side neighbourhood was submitted to Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) last October following a public exhibition of the plans by developer Folkestone Harbour & Seafront Development Company (FHSDC).

The reserved matters application was then approved in December.

The block is to be built at the western end of Folkestone beach, next to the Leas Lift, and will see the creation of 84 homes in a crescent shape with up to eight storeys on either end and three to four storeys in the middle.

It includes 20 town houses and four duplexes located in the middle of the complex, as well as 60 apartments.

A shingle garden, exercise facilities, children’s play space and underground parking are also planned.

Initially it was hoped work on the site would start in early 2019 following its approval by the planning committee, but the team behind FHSDC, a company owed by millionaire and philanthropist Sir Roger De Haan, now say they hope to announce a start date for construction later this year.

A spokesman said: "A reserved matters application for Phase One (84 residential units) was submitted in October 2018 and was approved by FHDC planning in December.

"Preparations have continued, including detailed design work and ground explorations.

"An announcement about a start date for construction is expected before the end of the year."

Asked why there was a delay, the spokesman added: "In terms of timing, Sir Roger’s team, led by architects ACME, feel that it is important to establish a level of detail and quality in this first phase that will make it very attractive to potential buyers and that will be a critical step towards creating a successful neighbourhood on the seafront.

"This is taking considerable time.

"Although we expect an announcement by the end of the year, we cannot yet put a date on a start for construction."

Plans for the huge seafront development, which will include homes, cafes, restaurants and public spaces, were first announced in 2015.

Subject to more planning applications, it will be built on several plots - spanning all the way to the Harbour Arm - and over several phases.

It is not known when the application for the second phase will be submitted.

The spokesman from FHSDC added: "Planning for subsequent phases is continuing apace: however there is as yet no firm timetable for delivery of further phases or for submission of future planning applications."

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