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Once an industrial site, much of the land at Fisherman's Beach is now in a poor and untidy condition. But the council says its beachfront location presents exciting potential for redevelopment.

The council is consulting with its existing beach tenants and other organisations. It then hopes to work with a neighbouring land owner to prepare a masterplan for the area.

The plan is likely to set out a mix of uses - including homes - that will be in keeping with to its beachside setting.

Council Leader Robert Bliss said the council was taking a long hard look at its assets and how they could be best used to realise much-needed capital.

"We are doing what all good councils should be doing and making our land and assets work for us. We cannot afford to let our assets lay idle and are now taking a more rigorous approach to unlocking their potential."

He said any development would be designed to be in keeping with its location.

"The appeal of this site is the beach and the sea and any plans will be sensitive to these features. The masterplan will set out a sensitive, high quality development that will transform and invigorate a forsaken part of Hythe, radically improve the area and increase public access to the beach for quiet recreation."

A public exhibition of the plan will be organised when more details are known.