The first steps have been made towards an ambitious project to create 1,000 affordable homes.

Ahead of last May's elections, the Conservatives on Maidstone Borough Council made a manifesto pledge to create 1,000 such properties for local people.

After retaining control of the council, the group has now set up the mechanism to achieve that aim, appointing three London-based companies to act for it.

BPTW will act as its architects. Calfordseaden will be the clerk of works and principal designer, and Red Loft will act as the housing development consultants.

Cllr Simon Webb, cabinet member for housing and health, said: "I am very excited about these appointments, as Maidstone will be working with market leaders in the field of housing development.

"I am sure that they will help the council to deliver our targets, and perhaps most importantly help us build some of the highest-quality new homes in the borough.”

Chris Bath from BPTW said: "We applaud the council for its approach to this framework which will enable a streamlined development process, ensuring consistency and continuity of knowledge, with a committed team over the long-term to drive quality and efficiency."

The 1,000 affordable houses will be part of the overall Maidstone housing target which has been set by the government, not in addition to it.

The council has already borrowed £80m to facilitate its ambitions and in June purchased the former Springfield library site in Sandling Road where it will build its first batch of homes.

The overall budget over five years is expected to be £250m.

The 1,000-affordable homes target was a personal pledge made by council leader David Burton in September of last year.

He said: "We need more affordable housing in Maidstone for local people.

"We will make sure that those who may not be able to afford to buy or rent privately have the opportunity to live in one of the 1,000 affordable homes we plan to provide."