Greatstone beach huts registration list opens

The beach huts each have a pitched felt roof, a veranda, and a painted finish

A waiting list for beach huts on a new coastal development has opened as part of a scheme a Kent council says will provide a "major boost" to the local economy.

The 93 new huts, which are about 3.2 sq m (34.4 sq ft), are part of Folkestone and Hythe District Council's Coast Drive project at Greatstone, Romney Marsh.

Registration opened at 10:00 BST and will be capped at 200 applicants, with up to 85% allocated to those living in the district.

A council spokesman said there was a "real buzz" about the project, although some locals have expressed concern about the cost and size of the huts on offer.

The council said the huts - which will each have a pitched felt roof, a veranda, and a painted finish - would be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

The first year's annual rent will be £1,470 plus VAT.

The coastal project, which is expected to be completed later in 2025, will also include a new cafe, with a training room, water sports and changing facilities, and public toilets, the authority said.

Liz Taylor runs the Romney Marsh Community Hub

Liz Taylor, who runs the Romney Marsh Community Hub, said the huts would be "a great boost for local tourism".

"This part of the coast isn't as busy as some areas, so [it] offers the chance for quiet reflection close to the sea," she added.

However, local resident Mark Owen said he was concerned about the size of the huts.

"[It] doesn't offer a lot of storage space - you'd struggle to get two chairs on the decking and the huts on the back line have very restricted sea views," he said.

Gay Towndlow, from Littlestone, felt the huts seemed "quite expensive" but said "if they bring people to the area, it can only be a good thing".

Folkestone councillor Connor McConville, cabinet member for assets and local government reorganisation, said: "There is a real buzz about the Coast Drive project, so we anticipate there will be significant interest in renting the beach huts.

"This scheme will provide a major boost to the local tourism economy and help actively support and promote the Romney Marsh for years to come."