by Rhona Pinkerton

Kent building projects are to get a £9m boost.

The Government's Kickstart programme is investing in a huge house-building programme, including £7m for 103 homes at St Mary's Island in Chatham, and £2m for 50 homes at Cannon Street in Deal.

These projects are part of the first wave of funding and a total of 152 developments across the country that will get government support.

Jonathan Shaw, the Minister for the South-east and Chatham and Aylesford MP says it’s great news for house builders.

He said: “Many people working in the construction industry are without work and it’s essential we get these people back to work, not just for them, but all the people that manufacture the products and materials that go into house building.

"There is a long construction chain that we need to ensure is getting going again if we’re going to rebuild the economy and move forward.”

It’s not just those already involved in the industry that are set to benefit though.

The money comes with a number of conditions, one of which is the requirement to employ several apprentices in order to develop skills for the future.

Housing Minister John Healey said: “Kickstart funding comes with tough terms, and I expect much of this money to be repaid within five years.

"Some developers have failed our tough value-for-money test, but I’m also encouraged that others have withdrawn saying they no longer need help because market conditions are improving.”

Workers should return to the mothballed sites within weeks to build the new homes, many of which will be affordable homes for low cost sale or rent.