Plans to transform a stretch of shoreline by adding 96 beach huts have been hailed as “amazing” – despite frustrations the scheme has not yet been approved.

The proposal to overhaul the coastline at Greatstone, on Romney Marsh, was announced in 2021, with Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) revealing it wanted to make it a 'tourist destination'.

New CGIs have now been released, showcasing what the development would look like once completed - with 96 chalets planned instead of the initial 106.

The plans include a visitor hub which will contain four toilets, shower facilities, a cafe, and a space for training and education.

However, some have been left wishing “the scheme had already started” with outline planning permission yet to be approved by FHDC.

Cllr David Wimble (Ind), FHDC ward member for New Romney, believes the proposal will be “amazing for the whole district”.

He added: “I would have liked to have seen the scheme started at the end of last summer but I understand that some hurdles got in the way.

“The main thing is that it gets built!

“At a council meeting not long ago there were talks of stopping the scheme to save money, but thankfully that quickly got shut down.

“I would say 90% of people in New Romney are behind this. For me, this is about making it a tourist attraction.

“It’s a winter project so hopefully, they can start building this year and be done in time for next summer.”

Cllr Wimble also stressed that “the beach huts must be offered as a priority to local people first”.

In the original application, the plans were for 106 beach huts to be added. But, this has now been decreased to 96.

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

One of the significant factors for this change was the impact the new chalets will have on the sea cadets.

In February this year, the club submitted their concerns to FHDC expressing their fears that “if the project goes forward, it’s highly likely it would result in the closure”.

Cllr Paul Thomas (Ind), FHDC ward member for New Romney, and a member of New Romney Town Council, said: “It is important the development does not negatively affect any of the local organisations.

“There is now allocated parking for the sea cadets and the scale has been reduced from 106 beach huts to 96,” he said.

“This is going to provide a very different type of destination for the area.

“These beach huts will provide a coastal destination and encourage people from outside the local area to come and visit Greatstone.”

“It is something I fully support and I think it will have a positive contribution to the local economy.”

FHDC now say they are “hopeful of achieving planning consent by the end of the year”.

A spokesman said: “We’re aiming to create a high-quality seaside and visitor destination hub which meets environmental standards and the needs of the local community.

“The process involved significant design development and consultation with stakeholders.The scheme has been amended to ensure the best design and most viable scheme within the parameters and context of the site – while remaining in line with planning policy. It also has the most efficient and appropriate layout for the location and its proposed future uses, including beach huts and usable recreational space.

“We are hopeful of achieving planning consent before the end of the calendar year.”

The ambitious plans for the Marsh follow the installation of new beach huts on the promenade between Folkestone and Sandgate.

The colourful new huts were installed in 2021 – and as of this year, more than 700 are on a wait listing list for one.