Some residents of Greatstone, Kent, have expressed strong displeasure over four newly built homes that they describe as 'Lego-like' and 'horrendous'. The three-storey properties, located on Coast Drive, feature bright pastel blue, pink, yellow, and green metal cladding inspired by traditional beach huts. However, the colourful design has shocked neighbours, who claim the houses look nothing like the muted initial plans approved by Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) in 2021.
From Wasteland to Controversy
The site was originally a council-owned wasteland. After securing planning permission, the land was sold in 2023 to TG Designer Homes, which obtained approval for amended plans that allowed the vibrant metal panels. Updated images of the revised design were not released to the public, leading to surprise when the homes began to take shape.
Lee Dryden, 68, who moved to Greatstone three years ago, said: 'If I wanted to go where there were houses like that, I'd have moved to somewhere like Brighton. I wouldn't have had a problem if they were like the designs shown on the initial CGIs, but if I knew they were going to look like this, I'd have objected. Even if it hasn't affected values of homes around here, I guarantee you what it has done is detract from their sellability.'
Mixed Reactions from the Community
Clare Chapman, 45, a behaviour analyst, compared the homes to 'containers'. She said: 'When the wasteland was going to be developed on, I was quite open to it because it's better to have some development than just empty wasteland. In terms of the colour, they're a bit garish and I didn't realise they were going to be multicoloured - I was surprised. It's not my cup of tea but I'm sure they look lovely inside, and the builders have been fantastic with us.'
However, not all feedback has been negative. Zalan Paksy, commodore of the Varne Boat Club, which is located in front of the homes, said the previous design needed a 'bit of a lift' and that the colours are 'interesting'. He added: 'There's so much special colour that this area has not really had before. When you're driving down, it always captures your attention - you can't ignore it.'
Developer Defends the Design
Anthony Ralph, founder of TG Designer Homes, defended the project, saying the homes were designed to be 'houses of interest'. He explained: 'We wanted to ensure they were unique in design and they represented our modern take on a traditional beach hut. When we build designs, people don't pay full attention to what's going on in the background. The public are seeing it behind scaffolding at the moment - it will surprise people and they will get used to it. We have always been committed to only creating homes that we would be proud of and happy to live in ourselves.'
When asked about comparisons to Lego, Ralph joked: 'Who doesn't like Lego?'
Council Approval and Property Details
In January 2024, FHDC described the amended colour scheme as 'minor'. An officer's report stated: 'It is not considered it would be harmful to the overall aesthetic of the dwellings and in turn would not have an adverse impact upon the visual amenity of the street scene and surrounding area.'
Originally earmarked as holiday lets, the detached properties are now set to become standard homes. Each features a private two-car port on the ground floor, a bathroom, garden room, and a large boat store. The first floors contain three bedrooms, including a master with en-suite and dressing room. The top floor offers an open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area that opens onto a wraparound terrace deck with a hot tub and outdoor seating.
Work is expected to be completed within the next four weeks, with construction having started in June.
