Plans have been unveiled to build as many as 300 council homes in a bid to tackle the housing crisis.

Newly published papers reveal the properties have been earmarked for land off Shottendane Road in Margate and The Leys in Manston.

Thanet District Council, which has drawn up the proposals, stresses all of the properties will be affordable for the towns' poorest residents.

Local authority documents say: "Tackling poverty is a priority for us.

"We are committed to building new council homes which are accessible and affordable to those on low incomes.

"In order to increase the number of homes each year, we will be looking to capitalise on opportunities to acquire more properties, develop new homes and to buy sites which may otherwise not come forward.

"We have committed to delivering 30 affordable housing units per year for the next 10 years and intend to deliver new-build housing that is energy efficient for our tenants."

The proposals have been submitted for inclusion in the council's next Local Plan, which will act as the authority's housing blueprint through to 2040.

Up to 260 homes are earmarked for the plot in Margate.

Authority bosses say the 35-acre site will have an even split between housing and open space, featuring a community garden.

"The site shall provide 100% affordable housing," council documents for the Shottendan Road project read.

"Units shall align to nearly zero-energy homes.

"Dwellings proposed shall reflect the council’s desire to provide quality, accessible and sustainable affordable housing."

Meanwhile in Manston, two development options have been put forward for the six-acre estate.

The site, which is accessed through Spratling Street, would see the northern half of the plot built on, leaving about 50% of the area for future work.

The first option would see 19 houses and two 16-flat blocks erected, along with a convenience store.

"In rural villages there is a shortage of flats for residents over the age of 55 and this demographic could benefit from retaining their familiar village surroundings," local authority planners say.

"Dwellings proposed shall reflect the council’s desire to provide quality, accessible and sustainable affordable housing."

The second option would see 29 houses built.

In documents accompanying the proposals, the council says tackling poverty is a priority.

Members of the council's cabinet will make a decision on which sites to put forward for allocation as part of the proposed Local Plan.

There will then be a public consultation next September.

Planning permission would still be needed for any sites allocated included in the Local Plan.