A factory which will make up to 1,000 homes every year has been given the green light.

Berkeley Group's application was approved by Ebbsfleet Development Corporation’s planning committee last night to build a site and an office building on a 10-acre site in Northfleet.

The factory will produce finished modules, which are homes built in parts, complete with plumbing, electrics, and internal finishing, including flooring and fittings that can be configured to form new homes.

The development will create up to 240 jobs that will include opportunities for full-time, direct employment and training for people.

Ian Piper, chief executive of Ebbsfleet Development Corporation, said: “Modular construction is helping to speed up the delivery of new homes in the UK and with Berkeley recognized as one of the country’s leading developers we are pleased it has chosen Ebbsfleet Garden City as the place it wants to produce its modern new homes.”

Tony Pidgley CBE, chairman of the Berkeley Group, said: “Given the skill shortages we are facing, speed of production and the impact on labour are vital issues for the future of our industry.

“The real driver for Berkeley is the quality we can achieve with modular housing.

“It will help us create fantastic homes for our customers where they can live comfortably in a beautiful setting.

“That is what will really drive demand and create value for our business, as well as build fantastic communities for people in the future.”

More than 200 new homes were also approved at the planning committee meeting in a separate scheme near Ingress Park.

The committee gave approval for 220 homes by Swanscombe Development LLP on a site near London Road in Swanscombe, known as Croxton and Garry.