Eighty new, eco-friendly homes are destined for empty land on Romney Marsh.

The modular homes are planned for a nine acre plot off Victoria Road in Littlestone, with the scheme also including three acres of open space and wetland which will be dedicated to wildlife.

Modular homes are built indoors in a factory, before being transported to their new location, where a builder assembles them.

The benefit is that they are eco-friendly, quicker to build and low in costs, developers say.

Subject to planning permission, the scheme plans to deliver 80 affordable homes for shared ownership and social rent.

They will be a range of two, three and four bed homes.

The scheme is being put forward by developer Legal & General Modular Homes in partnership with Town & Country Housing.

The land has already been acquired by the developers, with planning permission expected to be submitted to Folkestone and Hythe District Council soon.

Legal & General Modular Homes are also behind plans to create 150 modular homes in Broadstairs, with work on this project on going.

Rosie Toogood, from Legal & General Modular Homes, said: “We are delighted to have partnered with Town & Country Housing again to deliver more affordable, highly-sustainable homes, set within green open spaces and at the heart of a well-connected local community.

"Through modular construction, we are able to deliver all of this and in half the time of traditional methods.

“We are excited to start working with the planning authority to deliver a scheme that meets local requirements and that will showcase the part modular can play in helping the UK to Build Back Better.”

Colin Lissenden, development director at Town & Country Housing added: "After launching our pilot scheme at Westwood Acres in Broadstairs, we’re extremely proud to be delivering further on our commitment to sustainable housing provision by partnering with Legal & General Modular Homes for the second time in a year.

"Modern construction methods offer a huge range of benefits to developer, resident and community alike, and we look forward to continuing to deliver more affordable, environmentally-friendly homes in Kent."

Legal & General’s modular housing factory in Yorkshire is the largest in the UK.

With capacity to produce 3,000 homes annually, it employs 500 people and operates an academy for apprentices.