One of the UK's leading home-builders, Countryside, has been given planning permission for a £400 million project at Rochester Riverside.

Planning application was submitted in July of this year.

Together with Hyde Group, one of the largest housing associations in the country, Countryside has permission to deliver 1,400 homes and 1,200sqft of commercial space.

Initially, 489 homes and a hotel will be delivered.

The site stretches from Rochester Bridge down to Doust Way, and will be transformed into a riverside community with potentially a primary school and nursery, hotel and a pedestrian bridge.

"The plan will provide 10 acres of new, open space."

Work is anticipated to begin before the new year, and the first homes completed in 2019.

Councillor Alan Jarrett, leader of Medway Council said: “Rochester Riverside is a significant development in the regeneration of Medway, bringing hundreds of homes and jobs to the area.

"We are committed to providing more opportunities and affordable housing for the people of Medway and I am looking forward to seeing work begin in the new year.”

Work will take place over the next 12 years, creating a new community at the heart of Medway’s regeneration.