Flats in a multi-millionaire developer’s prestigious shoreline scheme in Folkestone can, after all, be short-let following a U-turn by the property magnate.

Last year Sir Roger De Haan – son of the late Sidney De Haan, who created the Saga group of companies – told the Kent Online website that his Shoreline properties “won’t be able to be used as Airbnbs at all … We’re putting covenants in the sale agreements that will prevent people doing that.”

However now the same website reports that the Shoreline management team have relented and individual properties are being listed on Airbnb – in one case for £2,100 for just two nights.

Sir Roger took over Saga in 1984 when his father retired, and ran and expanded the operation with his brother Peter for a further 20 years: Saga was then the subject of a management buyout in 2004 for some £1.35 billion. Sir Roger then ploughed tens of millions into the redevelopment of the Folkestone coastal area.

A spokesperson for the management of the Shoreline scheme now tells Kent Online: “The strategy at Shoreline Folkestone has evolved to allow short-term rental due to the strong demand from people wanting to experience beachside living in our great town for themselves.

“We have put in place tangible measures to ensure that anyone renting properties do not adversely affect their neighbours or the wider local community and we are working with quality partners to manage the process.

“We believe that guests staying at Shoreline will add significantly to the local economy, enjoying the town’s burgeoning restaurants, bars and cafes throughout the year and shopping locally.”

You can see the full story here.