Planning papers reveal a divisive seafront development dubbed a “mini Center Parcs” could have up to 220 holiday homes.

New documents show the scale of the bold proposals to turn Hythe Golf Club into a lakeside tourist destination.

The project – set to feature a mixture of two- and three-storey chalets, a children’s play park and lakes – is earmarked for the prime coastal spot.

The course and adjacent 92-bed Hythe Imperial Hotel are both owned by GSE Group, which has built a number of developments in the county including Ashford International Truckstop.

Opponents fear the scheme will be “a disaster”, but bosses say they are “incredibly excited about the evolving plans”.

Although no planning application has come forward yet, GSE Group has submitted a scoping opinion request to Folkestone & Hythe District Council (FHDC).

While this is not a full application, it marks the first step of the planning process, with the documents outlining the broad details of the proposed scheme.

Within the report, it states “the development will likely comprise up to 220 holiday homes and a range of small-medium scale tourism, leisure and commercial uses”.

The proposals also say the site off Princes Parade could include “three central water features” and the holiday homes will be integrated around the lakes if plans are approved.

However, bosses have told KentOnline the initial proposals will “change significantly” when an overall masterplan is released in the new year.

At a public consultation last month, many Hythe residents expressed their fears over the potential development, with one comparing it to a “mini Center Parcs”.

Within the scoping report, the documents state the “heights range from a maximum of up to six storeys within the western-built zone with apartment blocks in the eastern zone up to four storeys in height”.

However, hotel bosses say these plans have “already developed significantly” and KentOnline understands the six-storey buildings will not be included in the final masterplan.

GSE Group claims the golf club is “no longer maximising its potential for the local tourism industry or the community”, and as a result, it wants to develop it.

Artist’s impressions released by the company show a number of lodges surrounding a newly created lake, with visitors in rowing boats and swimming in the water.

Another image shows a large children’s play park, as well as new pathways.

Bosses say the flood risk constraints of the site have influenced the proposals, with the following flood mitigation measures to be integrated into the plans.

This could mean the “raising of land levels on-site, installation of new integrated gabion walls along the coastal frontage and raised accommodation”.

GSE Group says it wants to create “an innovative, sustainable scheme that provides a unique offering for visitors” which will in turn “revitalise the seafront” and secure the future of the hotel.

News the golf course could be developed comes just months after a controversial scheme for land further along Princes Parade was axed.

In total, 150 homes, a hotel, a leisure centre, shops and open green spaces were planned for the large site, which is a former waste tip.

Following years of protests and campaigns, the project, led by FHDC, was scrapped when the new Green Party administration took over the authority in May.

Reacting to GSE’s scoping report, Cllr Tim Prater (Lib Dem) says he “can’t imagine anyone who has read this document would support this”.

He said: “I opposed Princes Parade for five years and that was only 150 units in comparison. How do you think I’m going to feel about this!

“Even Princes Parade didn't suggest six-storey blocks on the seafront.

“What comes forward may be different. But the evidence that has been put out there I do not support.”

An official planning application is expected to be submitted to FHDC in the new year, with a second public consultation to be held shortly afterwards.

The GSE Group, which took over the four-star hotel in 2007, says it is looking to “create new connections between different parts of Hythe for pedestrians and cyclists” while ensuring “the proposals are in keeping with the local area”.

While the company owns the land for the golf course, which was opened in the late 19th century, the club is run by members.

In a statement, a GSE Group spokesman says the company is “excited about the evolving plans” and claims the “plans have developed significantly” since the first public consultation.

However, bosses would not go into further detail about how the proposals have changed.

“The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) scoping opinion is an important part of preparing a planning application where the main aim is to ascertain the extent of issues that should be included in the EIA itself,” he said.

“This does include indicative building parameters and layouts, albeit we must stress they are clearly labelled as illustrative to reflect the fact this is such an early part of the application process.

“As such, in normal circumstances, we prefer not to comment on the scoping itself.

“However, on this occasion what we can say is that the EIA scoping opinion was submitted prior to the public consultation held last month, and the plans have already developed significantly since then in line with some of the key feedback we have received both in person and through the website.

“We are incredibly excited about the evolving plans and, in line with our timeframes previously discussed with the public and key stakeholders, we hope to be in a position to publish these early in the new year prior to holding a second consultation.”