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A computer-generated image of how the Ebbsfleet Valley would look - under plans drawn up in 2009. Picture: Laura Perry, Kent Thameside
More than 20,000 homes will be built in north Kent over the next 20 years... after a major development was finally given the go-ahead.
After almost a decade stuck on the drawing board, the Kent Thameside scheme will bring as many as 60,000 jobs to Ebbsfleet and the area next to Bluewater.
In an historic deal between ministers, councillors and developers, the first phase has been announced for Eastern Quarry in Ebbsfleet - for 1,500 homes.
A further 3,000 homes are expected to be built by 2030/31.
The Eastern Quarry area forms part of longer term plans - expected to unlock the development of 22,600 homes and around 1,000,000m of commercial development across the Kent Thameside region over the next 20 years.
Developers Land Securities have invested more than £100million in developing the site.
The former Eastern Quarry where new villages are to be built linking Bluewater with Ebbsfleet
But years of setbacks have meant the plans being put on ice amid concerns over the cost and need of transport improvements.
Now, after work by housing Minister Grant Shapps and transport minister Mike Penning with Kent councils and the developers, builders could be on site as early as next summer - with the first homes set to be completed by December next year.
As part of the plans, two major A2 junction improvements have been agreed to help the project get off the ground. In total around £116m is to be spent on seven road schemes.
Seven schemes have been included in the roads programme
Land Securities will contribute nearly £25million towards the homes and roads programme, through to completion of 4,500 homes on the site by 2020.
Mr Shapps said this illustrated the benefits of Government, local authorities and developers working together to unlock progress on stalled larger sites.
He said: “It’s frustrating that while the need for homes in Kent and the surrounding area has continued to grow, the Kent Thameside development – offering the opportunity for tens of thousands of new homes - has been stuck on the drawing board for a whole decade.
“So I’m delighted that we’re finally taking steps forward to get builders on site and work finally started."
Paul Carter, leader of Kent County Council said the scheme signalled the authority's intent to increase building work in the county.
He added: "We have real growth ambitions and this site signifies our intent to unlock the potential of the Thames Gateway.
"Where sites are stalled we will talk to developers about ways of releasing sites in the short term. However we will only work with those that are intent on accelerating development”
Councillor Jeremy Kite, Leader of Dartford Borough Council said it had been a long road, but the development was an "opportunity to build a great community and top quality housing for a new generation of Dartford families.
"Housing for sons and daughters of local people is a real responsibility and Eastern Quarry provides a great setting for young people to build their lives.”
Colette O’Shea, head of London Development at Land Securities, said she was pleased that a way forward had been found to "unlock the potential at Eastern Quarry".
