A new community proposed for Bobbing would include 1,000 affordable homes, the developer has revealed.

The plans for Foxchurch Garden Village - earmarked for almost 500 acres around Demelza children’s hospice, off the A2 and A249 - were put under scrutiny at a virtual public consultation last week.

Should it go ahead, the 2,500-home development would include a primary school, shops, pub and offices.

During the online question and answer sessions last Monday and Tuesday, developer Appin said it planned to create 180 acres of green space, although it wanted to hear whether people would prefer it to take the form of parks or paths.

The spokesman also revealed construction could begin in 2024, with between 150 and 250 houses being built each year.

That would mean it could take up to 15 years to build all 2,500 homes if planning permission is granted by Swale council.

As well as questions on the number of properties which are to be built, the developer said it was looking for views on how the roads around the site, including Sheppey Way, could be made safer.

One of the ideas mooted was to lower the current speed limit from 60mph in some places to 30mph or lower.

The project’s transport planner, Lawrence Stringer, said: “We could introduce a range of measures such as narrowing the road, introducing pinch points and improving facilities for pedestrians.

“There will be roundabout access to the development and we are looking for your views on traffic management.”

A total of 40% of the homes built would be classed as “affordable”.

The minimum requirement for large developments in Sittingbourne, under Swale council planning policy, is set at 10%.

Planner Chris Hawkins said: “We’ll be looking to engage with affordable housing providers and Swale council to see what they need.”

Appin confirmed it expected road improvements to be made to Junction 5 of the M2, Grovehurst and Keycol Hill roundabouts.

Visit www.bobbingplans.uk to view the proposals.

Read more: All the latest news from Sittingbourne