A development of almost 160 homes has been given the final go-ahead.

Land south of Dalefield Way, Gravesend, is a key site identified by Gravesham council for residential and commercial development and outline planning permission for up to 130 dwellings was approved in March 2014.

The council was then approached by Bellway Homes in mid-2015, expressing an interest in developing the site but requesting they up the density of the development to around 160 dwellings to make it financially viable.

Because the council must make the most efficient use of allocated housing sites – to relieve pressure on more sensitive sites in the borough – the idea of increasing the densitywas accepted in principal.

The agreement was subject to a detailed scheme addressing important issues such as design, open space, nature conservation, highway impacts and landscaping.

During a planning meeting at Gravesham council in April, councillors approved the application for the erection of the extra 26 new homes and those reserved matters.