A plan to instal more than 100 beach huts along Romney Marsh's coastline is one step closer to becoming a reality.

The project to create a 'coastal destination’ was unveiled earlier this year by Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC).

The ambitious scheme would see the beach huts, plus toilet and changing facilities and a cafe and concession stand, installed on the beach and in the Coast Drive car park, in Littlestone.

Better car parking facilities are also proposed, as well as public realm improvements to “create a true visitor destination”.

The scheme was put to full council at their meeting last week, and while it was met with mixed reaction, funding for the project was approved.

And while some councillors praised the development, there were also concerns raised over a lack of detail and its proximity to the Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Cllr Connor McConville (Lab) questioned the longevity of the proposed huts, and whether they would need replacing in the future.

Cllr Jackie Meade (Lab) said the Coast Drive car park is typically full in the summer months, and queried where these cars would go is the development went ahead.

Although Cllr David Wimble (Ind) said the new layout of the car park would allow for more spaces than there are currently.

Cllr Tony Hills (Con) described the scheme as an "excellent project", with Cllr Patricia Rolfe (Con) adding that the site has a lot of potential.

The total cost of the project is anticipated to be £893,000.

Existing allocated council funding of £375,000 would go towards the project, and the additional £518,000 is proposed to be added to the Capital Programme.

The council hopes it will see a return of nearly £2 million over 25 years.

As part of the plans, 108 colourful beach huts would be installed, with a boardwalk laid out in front of them to keep users off the sensitive shingle area.

The huts would be staggered so that each one had a view of the sea.

A modern toilet facility is also planned, with a proposed cafe or kiosk included in the design.

Improved parking layout is also required - allowing for 72 spaces - plus new bins and signs, with the potential to add solar panels to bring in green energy.

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

The project would follow a similar development in Folkestone, where its existing beach huts were renovated and additional wooden ones added.

This scheme currently has 100% occupancy rates with a waiting list of over 800 people.

A vote at the meeting to seek the additional funding of £518,000 was passed, with 20 votes in favour, and seven abstentions.

It is hoped the project could be in place by next summer, subject to planning permission.

Cllr John Collier (Con), cabinet member for property management and grounds maintenance at FHDC, said: “The Marsh project will create a ‘true visitor destination’, which will boost tourism and business there, while providing an important revenue stream for the council.

“Like all areas of the district, numbers have increased year on year and increasingly during the pandemic.

"Managing these numbers, whilst actively promoting and supporting the areas moving forward is important.”

Read more: All the latest news from Romney Marsh