Chancellor George Osborne has once more confirmed plans for a new 'Garden City' with an initial 15,000 new homes at Ebbsfleet.

During today's budget, Mr Osborne said: "In the South East where the pressure is greatest we’re going to build new homes in Barking Riverside, regenerate Brent Cross, and build the first new Garden City in almost a hundred years at Ebbsfleet.

"We’re going to build 15,000 homes there, put in the infrastructure, set up the development corporation and make it happen."

He continued: "I thank my honourable Friends for Dartford and Gravesham for their tremendous support.

"And we will be publishing a prospectus on the future of Garden Cities.

"Taken all together, the housing policies I announce today will support over 200,000 new homes for families.

"We’re getting Britain building."

It is confirmation of a widely known plan for a huge expansion in Ebbsfleet but the treasury's public endorsement today will give the project important impetus.

Developer Land Securities, which is overseeing the work at Ebbsfleet Valley, welcomed the news.

A spokesman said: “The new arrangements should make it easier, quicker and cheaper to deliver a new garden city at Ebbsfleet and provide thousands of much-needed new homes in the south east.

“Parts of Ebbsfleet Valley today still resembles a quarry – its former use – and significant further investment is needed before homes can be built at scale.

“Government support, through a new UDC (Urban Development Corporation), will be vital in delivering a garden city quickly.”

The Ebbsfleet Valley project, eventually to include about 10,000 homes, started with the creation of Springhead Park, which saw people move in from 2009.

The latest stage of work is within the Eastern Quarry, which received permission in November 2007, where four ‘villages’ will be created: Western Cross, Alkerden, Washmills and Castle Hill.

Construction is now on-going with the vast majority being undertaken by Erith Construction on behalf of both Land Securities and Ward Homes.

Land Securities has also begun discussions with the bus companies to ensure there are bus services.

You can follow the budget live and read more by clicking here.

See tomorrow's Gravesend & Dartford Messengers for a special four-page report.