Colorful “Lego-like” homes under construction on the Kent coast have caused a stir among residents in Greatstone, near New Romney. The new properties, designed with pastel shades reminiscent of traditional beach huts, have garnered mixed reactions from locals. Some express surprise and disappointment at the three-storey houses’ unconventional appearance compared to the initial design showcased by Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) when planning permission was granted in 2021.
Following the site’s sale in 2023, new owners obtained approval for revised plans that incorporated blue, pink, yellow, and green metal panels on the exterior. However, updated visuals of the altered design were not made public. Lee Dryden, a resident who relocated to Greatstone with his wife, describes the homes as “horrendous” and expresses regret over the drastic deviation from the original design concept depicted in computer-generated images.
Critics like Dryden and others in the community liken the homes, erected on former council-owned land in Coast Drive, to oversized Lego structures or containers. Despite the polarizing opinions on the vibrant color scheme, some, like Clare Chapman, acknowledge the positive aspect of repurposing previously neglected land for development.
Anthony Ralph, co-founder of TG Designer Homes, responsible for the project, defends the unique design approach, emphasizing a modern reinterpretation of traditional beach hut aesthetics. Ralph anticipates that once construction is completed, the homes’ distinctive appearance will captivate onlookers and integrate seamlessly into the neighborhood.
Scheduled for completion within the next month after commencement in June, the houses, originally designated as holiday rentals, are now intended as permanent residences. Featuring spacious layouts with private car ports, boat storage, and luxurious amenities, the properties aim to offer a contemporary living experience within a coastal setting. The unconventional design, though contentious, is deemed by FHDC as a minor modification that does not compromise the overall visual harmony of the neighborhood.
