SIXTY-FOUR holiday homes are to built at one of Kent’s top tourist attractions.

The Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott finally gave the go-ahead to the £4.5million scheme at the Hop Farm Country Park, near Paddock Wood, more than three years after it was first unveiled.

The decision is a boost for tourism in Mid-Kent and a triumph for park owners Brent and Fiona Pollard.

They have turned the former Whitbread oast house property into the county’s second most popular visitor attraction. Last year, more than half a million people visited the park.

Since buying the Hop Farm from Whitbread in 1997, the Pollards have improved the complex and boosted visitor numbers with a wide range of events and high-profile celebrity concerts.

The Pollards claim that approval for developing holiday homes, a scheme backed by Kent County Council, local council officials, local residents and the Kent Tourism Alliance, will mark a significant new chapter in its development.

They say it will also play a significant part in preserving the world’s largest collection of Victorian oast houses.

The chalets will each sleep up to five people on a self-catering basis and be equipped with all mod cons. As well as holiday lets, they will also be available to guests attending weddings and conferences.

Mr Pollard said they were thrilled with the decision. "It’s a fantastic start to 2006," he said.

"When we bought the Hop Farm we recognised the need for steady growth in order to ensure the longevity of this unique local asset. This growth cannot be sustained by the visitor attraction itself and the provision of high quality accommodation is the most obvious solution.

"There is a requirement for self-contained accommodation in the centre of Kent and our location is perfect for exploring what Kent has to offer visitors.

"The Hop Farm buildings are among the most recognised in Kent and we will ensure that the development is sympathetic to the existing buildings.

"It’s a very exciting time for us and we are already working on the project to ensure it is delivered as soon as possible."

Sandra Mathews Marsh, KTA chief executive, welcomed the decision.

She said: "This is a very exciting time in Kent tourism. The Hop Farm already plays a significant role as the second most visited attraction in the county.

"The holiday home development will bring many benefits to the local community as well as encouraging more domestic and overseas visitors to the area for holidays and short breaks."

Building work will start in Spring next year, with the first guests expected in early 2008.