Construction of the first new council homes to be built in Dartford for more than 40 years has begun.

Called Hill View, the new development close to Temple Hill Square will provide 12 three bedroom town houses, 12 two bedroom flats and a one bedroom flat.

The council has promised that once complete they will be allocated to local families as part of the council’s ‘Local People First’ policy.

Dartford council hopes to have the first tenants in place by Spring 2017.

The council is working with partners the Jenner Group and Ridge Property & Construction Consultants, and has hopes to provide more Council homes across the borough in the years ahead.

Council leader Jeremy Kite (Con) said: “Now that we have the policies in place to ensure that local families are first in line for new properties like these, providing a new generation of Dartford people with somewhere decent to live close to their roots and their families couldn’t be more important.

“I’m extremely proud that our council is building homes for the first time in 40 years. Dartford is a growing town but we have to make sure that people with strong local links aren’t squeezed out by the demand. Good affordable housing for local people, whether it’s for rent or subsidised sale is a huge priority for us.”