Controversial plans for scores of seafront homes and a leisure centre will cost the council £29 million, official papers show.

The price tag ignited fresh calls for the 150-home estate on Princes Parade to be scrapped.

Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) applied to itself for the development, also including parkland and retail space, with Princes Parade Road being moved next to the Royal Military Canal.

Council leader David Monk brushed off campaign group Save Princes Parade’s concerns, saying the council has “done its homework extremely well”.

He said: “A fully-detailed, comprehensive business case, supported by independent financial specialists was approved by cabinet on February 13.

“Obviously, this examined all aspects of this major project, assessed its costs and put the correct financial management procedures in place.

“At the meeting, our financial consultants said the council has done its homework extremely well and they were satisfied the scheme was viable.”

The authority told KentOnline it hopes building work to start in 2020.

However, on site activity such as ground investigations and ecological mitigation is likely to commence later this year.

A report put before cabinet dubbed the scheme “complex” and based on assumptions made by professionals.

“The project therefore carries a number of risks,” the paper adds.

Higher than predicted costs, financial delays and the potential for a Judicial Review are some of the risks included in the report by Andy Jarrett, chief strategic development officer.

Lesley Whybrow from Save Princes parade said: “Despite what David Monk says the council still doesn't know for sure that the scheme is viable.

“The officer’s report admits there’s uncertainty over the financial estimates.

“The council itself knows the project is based on a number of assumptions and carries risks.

“A final detailed business case still needs to be prepared.

“Save Princes Parade still believe that many of the costs have been underestimated and others omitted."