by Alan McGuinness

Thousands of jobs could be created in Medway if two enormous redevelopment projects get the go ahead.

Public consultations on the plans for Chatham Docks and the Hoo Peninsula are now under way.

Peel Ports wants to transform 26 acres of brownfield land at the Docks into flats, student accommodation, university facilities and hotels, as well as shops and offices, a supermarket and a petrol station.

The scheme would cost an estimated £650 million and developers claim it would create up to 3,500 jobs.

Meanwhile, a new town could be created at Lodge Hill, a former army base in Chattenden.

Developers Land Securities want to build 5,000 homes, shops, offices and schools on the site, which includes an ancient woodland.

The development would help accommodate Medway's increasing need for homes over the next 15 years.