Two houses which were gutted in a devastating blaze nine months ago will be rebuilt.

The properties in Jubilee Crescent, Gravesend, were destroyed in a fire which was started accidentally by a discarded cigarette on June 26.

At its peak, nine fire engines, a height vehicle and a technical rescue team were involved in putting out the flames. Crews were there for around eight hours.

Three homes in a terrace were affected – two were damaged by flames and the other by water. All the houses were occupied.

As the fire took hold, black smoke could be seen from all over Gravesend and beyond.

Now, planning permission has been approved by Gravesham council to rebuild the two properties in a "like-for-like" application.

Housing association Clarion Housing Group submitted the proposals last month to replace them with new homes which would meet the latest building standards and regulations.

The plans include building a two-and-a-half-storey three-bedroom house and a two-storey two-bedroom house – the same as what was there originally.

The only difference to the properties include slight adjustments to wall thickness to ensure they meet latest building regulations.

In their decision report, council officers said the plans are "a straightforward replacement" and approved them.