Four swanky homes boasting a rooftop terrace are set to be built behind a boat club under fresh council plans.

Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) has long harboured ambitions to develop an empty site to the rear of Varne Boat Club in Greatstone on Romney Marsh.

It initially wanted to run the properties as holiday lets, but now says the units will be standard homes which it hopes will be completed by the end of 2025.

The four detached houses, which will go across three storeys, will all feature a private garden and roof terrace off Coast Drive.

FHDC says the scheme will be "brought forward by a local developer" once the authority has sold the land.

The plans were tweaked earlier this month, with each unit now containing three bedrooms instead of four.

New Romney Ward representative Cllr Paul Thomas (Ind) says councillors were “satisfied” with the height of the new buildings but stresses the development should “not interfere" with Littlestone RNLI station next door.

“The plans were already approved back in 2021 but we had a meeting on the new conditions," he said.

“Under no circumstances should the building of the houses compromise the operation of the lifeboat station.

“Like all developments materials will start being brought onto the site and when they do this it is important they do not interfere with the traffic flow in the area.

“They will be working right next to the ramp that goes up towards the lifeboat station. This is the only access point for emergency workers."

Each home will include its own driveway, with two parking spaces being provided for each of the four properties.

Commodore of Varne Boat Club, Zalan Paksy, says he is satisfied the latest version of the plans is “best for all parties involved”.

“This project has been going back for many years now," he added.

“We knew the council was going to be doing something with that land and I think the latest plans are the best for everyone involved.

“We prefer the homes being residential rather than holiday homes as this will create much less issues for the club."

It is not yet clear when construction work will begin.

In a separate scheme, FHDC is planning to install 96 beach huts, a cafe and toilets on the Coast Drive car park, but a decision on the project is yet to be made.

About 28 chalets already line the seafront, close to the New Romney Sea Cadet building.