Gulf property developers are planning to build luxury island resorts in England, complete with marinas, theatres, an opera house and housing.

A plan to reclaim two stretches of land in the Thames estuary between Kent and Essex, will be the beginning of an island that will be along the lines of the famed artificial palm islands of Dubai.

The plans envisage creating large towns on both islands and a marina on the south of the main island; the first point of call for yachts travelling from Europe to London.

Dubai construction firms are believed to be involved in a consortium of potential investors and are awaiting a response from the British government.