Plans to transform a lake at a former cement works will dramatically change the shape of a Medway village.

The 100-ft deep pit at Halling, filled with turquoise blue water, is expected to get planning permission from Medway Council in the next fw weeks for 550 homes, a commercial centre and nature reserves.

But it will depend on the willingness of the developer to pay for school improvements for the residents expected to move on to the development.

Planning officer Caroline Allen said the plans would improve the quality of local jobs, fund improvements to the A228, local bus services and the M20 J4, but the ciouncil neededmore time to negotiate a schools deal.

Medway councillors delayed making a decision wen they met on September 3 to allow further negotiations to fund schooling.

Medway and Kent County Council want £3.8 million for school enlargements in Halling, Snodland and Strood to meet the new families needs. It is part of a package that will add more than £10,600 to the cost of each home.

Full story in the print edition of Medway's Messenger