Work on what is thought to be Britain’s largest council-built bungalow development has begun.

As part of a £8.5million housing programme, Medway Council is building 32 one and two bed bungalows for rent in Gillingham.

The affordable homes on the former Gillingham Community College site, which backs onto Beatty Avenue, Cornwallis Avenue and Woodlands Road, are expected to be available from summer 2016.

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Today work on the site began in earnest with developer Chartway carrying out the works for the council.

Identical bungalows have already been built in Twydall. Once complete, the new development on Beatty Avenue will be named Centenary Gardens to commemorate 100 years since World War One – as plans for the project were given the go ahead in 2014.

Not only will these homes be affordable, they will cater especially for those who are less-mobile and some have been especially designed for wheelchair users.” - Cllr Doe

The new-build bungalows will be suitable for older tenants looking to downsize as well as those with mobility problems who struggle in their current living accommodation.

Some of the properties will be fully accessible for wheelchair users.

Deputy leader of the council and head of housing Cllr Howard Doe said: “We are proud to be starting work on the largest development of bungalows for social rent in the country. Not only will these homes be affordable, they will cater especially for those who are less-mobile and some have been especially designed for wheelchair users.”

“The aim of this housing project is to offer people the chance to rent good quality, energy-efficient homes that they can afford.”

This new development follows on from the success of phase one of the multi-million pound project which, when completed in March next year will comprise of 26 homes built on former council garage sites in Twydall and Gillingham.