Seaside villagers have expressed fury over a row of new-build homes that they claim resemble Lego bricks. Four pastel-coloured properties under construction in Greatstone, Kent, have been criticised for not matching the character of the seaside town and for sticking out like a sore thumb.
Residents voice displeasure
Karen, a 65-year-old resident who has lived in the area for 24 years, said the buildings do not belong there. 'They do look like Lego bricks. If you look at four Lego bricks and stick two different coloured ones on top, you have the houses,' she said. She noted that all surrounding houses are from the 1930s, making the new builds incongruous. 'We have got nothing like it around here. They are nice houses in a different area. These stick out like a sore thumb.'
Karen, whose home overlooks the colourful square houses, added: 'They are right in front of me so they are in your face. We never had anything in front of us and then all of a sudden you have got these. They don't belong here.' She initially supported the building project, believing it would provide affordable housing for young people, but was disappointed by the garish design and rumoured high price tags.
Construction complaints
Since construction began in spring last year, residents have endured non-stop noise and dust. 'The bulldozers started coming in and obviously there was a lot of muck and dust. We all have to keep our windows shut. It has been going on too long now,' Karen said. 'They look like half-finished flats. So far, 276 people don't like them. We thought they were going to be affordable housing for the youngsters in the area.'
Neighbour Lesley Thompsett said she did not understand the design at all. 'I didn't think it was too bad until they put those coloured pieces on the top. They look like bits of Lego stuck on top of a brick building,' she told the BBC.
Developer defends design
The homes, which are expected to be completed later in 2026, mimic the design of 93 new bright beach huts built nearby. Developer TG Designer Homes has stood by the choice to base the houses on the hut design. Owner Anthony Ralph explained: 'The purpose of the colour was our modern take on a traditional British beach hut.'
