This is how new seafront homes - described by one critic as "completely out of character with the area" - will look if given the go-ahead.

A planning application has been submitted to Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) revealing detailed designs for the houses and flats to be built at Princes Parade between Hythe and Sandgate.

Designed by award-winning architects Hollaway Studio, the scheme will see housing, commercial premises and a hotel built on land between the sea and the Royal Military Canal.

The leader of the local Green Party has insisted the proposals, which have been at the centre of a bitter battle between people living locally and the council, must now be debated in public.

Cllr Lesley Whybrow, an outspoken critic of the plan to redevelop the site, has written to the council demanding that any recommendation to give the designs the green light is put before the planning committee.

She said: "I requested that the application be called in for determination by the planning committee if the recommendation is for approval, because I know that many local people feel very strongly that the proposed design of the housing is completely out of character with the area.

"Not just the seafront itself but also the view looking back from the seafront.

"Given how controversial the development is I think it is vital that all decisions relating to it are made in public."

The residential portion of the scheme is made up of comprises 22 townhouses, 13 duplexes and 115 flats, the majority of which will have views south to the sea and north to the canal.

According to the planning documents submitted in support of the application, 30% of the properties will be classed as affordable housing.

The buildings will make use of materials, such as weathered timber and Kentish ragstone, which the architects say will fit with traditional methods used in the surrounding area.

At the centre of the site there will be a park area which leads from the newly-realigned road, with on-street parking, to the promenade and beach beyond.

As well as this central link, there will also be footpaths between the residential buildings allowing people to walk from the canal to the seafront.

Hythe-based architect Guy Hollaway, whose other projects include Rocksalt restaurant in Folkestone, said: "At the heart of the scheme is the desire to reinforce and improve existing pedestrian connections - including the integration of the existing Seaview Bridge, located at the centre of the site, which connects to a new principal landscape space off the proposed widened public promenade.

"Promenading is as popular today as it ever was in the Edwardian or Victorian era, but the difference is we're not only walking - we are using scooters, bikes, blades and skateboards.

"As a result of the public consultation we are looking to integrate the existing shelter and benches, to enhance the landscape and create opportunities for concessions to trade from.

"The intention is to improve accessibility and this project has the opportunity to make the promenade and beach enjoyable and usable for all."

More than 300 people have signed a petition calling for the reopening of a footpath which as been closed to allow the redevelopment work to begin.

Chris Farrell, Hilary St. Clare and Nicki Stuart, delivered the petition to FHDC, are furious that a route between the Royal Military Canal and the beach has been fenced off during the height of the summer.

"You can imagine our frustration at seeing the access closed when no work is taking place," Ms Stuart said.