Plans for 300 new homes and a water sports centre at Conningbrook Lakes have been approved by Ashford Borough Council (ABC).

The huge development, in Kennington, will also include turning the land into a public country park.

The Conningbrook Lakes project was given the green light on Wednesday (May 15) at ABC's planning meeting, following two years work and consultation by landowners The Brett Group and Ashford Borough Council.

The site by the Julie Rose Stadium, formerly used for quarrying sand and gravel, will eventually be transformed into a country park and will include water-based activities, foot and cyclepaths, nature trails, a water-front restaurant, and a lakeside village of 300 homes.

ABC's head of cultural and project services Mark Carty said: “This is the culmination of two years of hard work. The overall business plan for this project was accepted by the council last year, but now we can turn this vision into a reality for Ashford.

“Conningbrook Lakes will ultimately be one of the best facilities of its kind in the South East, offering a combination of sailing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, walking, cycling and family friendly leisure all in one place, and in stunning surroundings.

“Conningbrook will also retain and develop its status as an angling venue of regional and national significance, and the local wildlife will benefit from the re-creation and enhancement of wetland meadow, lakeside and riverside habitats throughout the site.

ABC has also been granted planning permission for initial use of the land prior to the houses being built, meaning work will soon start to make some sections of the park available for sports clubs and the general public early next year.

A spokesman for the Brett Group said: "We are delighted that the country park project has won such wide support within the local community and look forward to it becoming a reality."