The initial batch of homes at a “garden city” estate have gone on the market for more than half-a-million pounds - with developers hailing them “suitable for first-time buyers”.

The Whitstable Heights scheme, which can be seen under construction by those heading along the Old Thanet Way on the southern side of Whitstable, is to be made up of 400 homes when complete.

Dubbed a ‘garden city’ by developers Hyde New Homes, the housing estate will welcome its first residents between February and June next year.

Prices for the opening phase of three, four and five-bed properties range from £400,000 to £568,000.

Despite the big figures, Hyde says the homes starting from £545,000 are “suitable for first-time buyers and young families”.

Once all 400 homes are finished, it will be one of the biggest housing developments in Whitstable’s recent history.

Devine Homes was originally planning to head the scheme, but the sprawling plot of land - near to the Millstrood Tesco roundabout - was soon sold to Hyde and construction company Westerhill Homes.

Building work on the project began in spring 2019, and the first batch of homes went on the market this month.

Further phases will launch over the coming months and years, with the final properties due to go on sale in the summer of 2025.

About 140 homes on the estate are set to be available for shared-ownership, and a number of others - for which a figure has not been decided - will be classed as affordable housing.

Minnie Dando, head of marketing and communications at Hyde New Homes, said: “Garden cities were among the first attempts at sustainable developments, and the principles which form these are still very much in use today.

"As developments go, this is a very good development..."

“We have made it a priority to ensure all the key principles have been used while planning Whitstable Heights, include building for the benefit of the community, high-quality imaginative homes and generous open green space.”

“We have no doubt that Whitstable Heights will be a hugely popular place to live.”

Ms Dando added: “Hyde is releasing more plots as and when they become available. The launch of the shared ownership homes early next year should be encouraging for first-time buyers.”

The scheme has the support of long-serving Whitstable councillor Ashley Clark, who says the cheaper plots - which will become available in the near future - are a positive for the town.

“They launch the more expensive homes to get some money in to begin with, and there will more affordable ones after.

“I think it is good news for local people who want to stay in the area,” he said.

“Hopefully the homes can become places for local people, rather than those from London or elsewhere.

“Although the initial plan and permission was for 30% affordable homes, I think they are going to increase that number significantly - so that’s a good thing.

“You say affordable, but for many people they still aren’t affordable as the prices are so high in the south-east. But at least it is something.

“As developments go, this is a very good development. They are building on 30 acres of land and giving up 40 acres added to the Duncan Down nature reserve.

“So there are huge benefits for the town in terms of public open spaces - which is what people need.”

Once complete, the homes at Whitstable Heights will range from one to five-bed properties. Roads on the estate are set to be named after British composers.