New ‘coastal destination’ unveiled with 108 striking beach huts and a cafe

Plans to transform a stretch of coast at Romney Marsh into a new visitor hotspot with 108 colourful beach huts and a cafe have been unveiled.

The scheme at Littlestone, outlined in a report by Folkestone and Hythe District Council, aims to create a “true visitor destination” costing almost £900,000.

An image reveals how the beach huts could look, with a boardwalk at the front and set out in a way that they all have a sea view.

There will also be toilet and changing facilities, improved and increased parking, holiday lets and a cafe or kiosk at the Coast Drive car park site.

In the new report, the council says the investment in the project will create a coastal destination, boost tourism and business on the Marsh, while providing an important revenue stream.

“The Marsh coastal areas are much loved throughout the summer season and welcome large numbers of tourists as well as providing recreational space to local residents,” the report states.

“Like all areas of Folkestone and Hythe’s 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.

“This project shows an investment into the Marsh by the council and with the proposed long term actions presents an exciting opportunity for not just the Marsh but the whole district.”

An additional £518k in capital funding is being requested by the authority, which will be in addition to the agreed £375K for the beach chalets.

The scheme, which has been backed by cabinet members, is hoped to be in place by the summer of 2022, subject to planning permission being granted.