Plans to build a garden city in Kent have been left in disarray after the chief executive of the body set up to build it has left after just five months in the job.

The departure of Robin Cooper as boss of Ebbsfleet Development Corporation was announced at a board meeting this morning.

Mr Cooper was hired in July to lead the construction of a new town on brownfield land between Dartford and Gravesend.

Chancellor George Osborne announced plans to build 15,000 homes at Ebbsfleet last year, creating the UK’s first garden city in 100 years.

It is understood the Department for Communities and Local Government wants to appoint a new chief executive with fewer close connections to the county.

Mr Cooper left his job as director of regeneration, community and culture at Medway Council to take up the post at the EDC.

An interim chief executive will join us in January.

EDC chairman Michael Cassidy said: "Robin has been involved in the setting up of EDC through its early phase of development as the first garden city for more than 100 years.

"We now move into a focused delivery phase where recruitment of experienced project managers will be a priority.

"The interim chief executive will be well-placed to oversee this part of the programme. We wish to express our thanks for Robin's considerable efforts in helping us to date."

Dartford MP Gareth Johnson said: "The Ebbsfleet garden city project is huge for Dartford and it is essential we get the right people in place to take this project forward to ensure it enhances the local area rather than holds it back."