New beach huts are finally set to be built after “hugely frustrating” funding concerns meant an additional £140,000 had to be spent.

Works on the Romney Marsh Coastal Destination project can now begin next year with the chalets expected to be ready in the autumn.

Plans for 93 huts in a spectrum of colours on Greatstone Beach were approved by Folkestone & Hythe District Council (FHDC) in June.

The authority devised the plans itself, with the huts set to line 175m along the coast off Coast Drive.

But at a meeting of the authority’s cabinet on November 13, Cllr Jeremy Speakman (Green) revealed an "unforeseen budget shortfall”.

“This project has been very popular, drawn widespread local support providing great benefits for the area particularly because it also provides additional provision of a visitor centre.”

He explained the total budget was slightly more than £1.5 million, of which almost £900,000 was from FHDC and the rest from Magnox, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and Community Infrastructure Levy contributions from developers.

Cllr Speakman added: “Information was received from UK Power Networks (UKPN) that there was insufficient grid capacity, and the project would require a nice new shiny substation.

“Their initial quote was robustly challenged by the team and the team obtained third party quotes for a much-reduced price.”

Nonetheless, an additional £140,000 was needed to plug the gap.

Deputy leader of FHDC Cllr Tim Prater (Lib Dem) told the meeting the project is still projected to make the council a profit of more than £2m over 20 years.

A council officer explained that while the huts themselves won’t have electricity, the visitor centre will need it, as will nearby EV (electric vehicle) charging points due to be installed.

Cllr Prater vented his frustration to colleagues that UKPN “gets to bleed us for hundreds of thousands of pounds” when none of the beach huts will have power fitted.

There are currently huts on Folkestone beach near the Lower Leas Coastal Park, but hundreds of people are sitting on a waiting list to rent them when one becomes available.

At a meeting of the full council on November 27, Cllr David Wimble (Reform) who represents the Greatstone area, asked for an update on the project, noting it “proves to be a valuable source of future income”.

“Officers have been working hard on the project to overcome a number of challenges,” Cllr Speakman explained.

“The main works contract is currently out to tender and the intention is to appoint a contract before Christmas.

“Works on site are expected to commence at the end of February following the winter bird migration season and works are expected to continue to completion on site until next autumn, when the beach huts will be ready to rent.”

The development will include public toilets, changing rooms, a cafe and an education space in the visitor centre.

The visitor centre will also include storage, classrooms and retail space for watersports businesses to operate from.

When originally proposed in 2021, the plan was for 106 beach huts, but this was reduced to 93.