An independent report into the team spearheading a garden city in Kent has found the failure to find a permanent boss is “undermining” its development.

Several problems need to be addressed “as a matter of urgency”, according to a tailored review into Ebbsfleet Development Corporation (EDC), the body tasked with masterminding the construction of 15,000 homes between Gravesend and Dartford.

The report, commissioned by the government, described the inability of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to find a permanent chief executive for the body.

It said this had meant “there appeared to be insufficient contact or proactive engagement between the chair and the highest level of government”.

It recommended the government should use “an appropriate professionally supported recruitment campaign and commercial remuneration package”.

The EDC is led by interim boss Ian Piper, who took over the role in October from Paul Spooner, who left after 18 months as interim chief exec.

Its only permanent chief executive to date was Robin Cooper, a former director of regeneration, community and culture at Medway Council.

He left the role after less than five months in post.

The report said: “The recruitment of a permanent chief executive is likely to be particularly challenging.

“Given the skill set required, which includes a commercial awareness of the development industry, a track record of negotiation and delivery, the ability to promote EDC and inspire and support the staff team, the field is likely to be relatively limited to the extent that professional approach to seek out candidates will undoubtedly be required.”

Despite the difficulties hiring a permanent boss, the document said the corporation, which has the power to give planning permission in the Ebbsfleet Valley and surrounding areas, is “making significant progress and should remain in place for at least a further five years”.

However it criticised the “uncertainty” caused by the London Resort proposals on the Swanscombe Peninsula, which would create a £3.2 billion tourist attraction supporting 27,000 jobs.

It said this was holding back development of the central area of the garden city and recommended the government should “review the implications of the London Resort proposal”.

The report added: “It should explore ways to mitigate the impacts, such that a realistic scheme for the central area can be brought forward within the next two years.”

EDC chairman Michael Cassidy said: “We were pleased the review recognised the significant work and positive change Ebbsfleet Development Corporation has made to Ebbsfleet Garden City since its inception.

“The need for a permanent experienced chief executive is recognised and steps are being taken, in liaison with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, to address this as a matter of urgency...” - Michael Cassidy, Ebbsfleet Development Corporation

“The EDC is working with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on all the recommendations from the tailored review.

“The report highlights that the inability of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to recruit an experienced permanent chief executive is one factor, along with others, that have undermined the EDC’s effectiveness and ability to fulfil its full potential.

“The need for a permanent experienced chief executive is recognised and steps are being taken, in liaison with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, to address this as a matter of urgency.”