House builder Barratt Homes has announced plans for five new sites in Kent, creating 1,059 homes and supporting 2,110 jobs.

The proposals follow a strong recovery in the housing market after the success of the Help to Buy scheme.

The sites include a development in Dymchurch Road, Hythe, called Martello Lakes, and The Orchards at Lamberhurst Road in Allington in Maidstone.

The proposals also cover locations in Harrietsham, Ebbsfleetand Ashford. The Kent division will also work on a development in Hackbridge, Croydon.

“We have seen demand for new homes expand very quickly over the year and the new sites we are opening mean that there will be more choice for local buyers,’’ said sales and marketing director Pam Reardon.

“It’s good news for the local economy as in addition to the local construction jobs underpinned by building the new homes, the local people who move into the new housing will also spend their wages locally. It’s an extra boost for Kent’s economy.”

“We have seen demand for new homes expand very quickly over the year and the new sites we are opening mean that there will be more choice for local buyers..." - Pam Reardon, Barratt Homes

The news comes as its BDW Kent division – an abbreviation for Barratt Homes, David Wilson Homes and Ward Homes – revealed it contributed £21 million to the county’s economy last year.

It built 499 homes in the Garden of England over the period, contributing £14 million to councils, infrastructure and affordable housing.

It calculated the area’s economy benefited from £7.3 million of extra spending in shops and services from residents in the new homes.

BDW Kent managing director Mark Bailey said “While people are often aware of the thousands of jobs we create and support directly in the areas we build new homes, this research highlights the investment we also bring to local communities and the economy.

“Each year we spend tens of millions of pounds on affordable housing, roads, community facilities, environmental improvements and infrastructure and our customers also make a huge difference to shops and services in the local area.”