Developers have been given the green light for more homes in Ebbsfleet Garden City.

Almost 600 new homes are due to be built by Keepmoat Homes.

Homes England announced that the developer had purchased a 11.4 hectare site to build 589 homes, 224 of which will be affordable.

The development will become part of a total of 6,250 homes alongside a new market square with shops, bars and restaurants, office space, a new primary and secondary education campus to serve the growing community, and a new park.

Last year, developers Taylor Wimpey and Clarion were granted permission to build houses and apartments there.

Homes England, a non-departmental public body which is sponsored by Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, worked with Gravesham Borough Council and the Ebbsfleet Development Corporation to prepare the land for development.

The first homes are expected to be complete by May 2020, whilst the rest of the development is expected to be complete by 2025.

As part of the deal, Keepmoat Homes has agreed to build the homes at a rate of over 100 units per year.

Cllr Jenny Wallace (Lab), cabinet member for housing Services at Gravesham Borough Council, said: "We are pleased that work is to begin on this key site.

"Gravesham urgently needs more homes, especially affordable homes. It is really important to us to be able to assist people that have grown up in Gravesham to be able continue to live here as a part of our community, as well as improve and regenerate the area."

Ian Piper, the chief executive of Ebbsfleet Development Corporation, said: "This new development by Keepmoat will transform this important waterfront area and make a great contribution to Ebbsfleet Garden City by bringing new homes and community facilities to Northfleet."

Stephen Kinsella, executive director for land at Homes England, said: "Getting homes built on public land is at the heart of our mission so we’re delighted to see Northfleet Embankment now start on site.

"This was a complex site and the joint efforts of partners will now be rewarded with a high-quality development to meet the housing needs of local people."

Read more: All the latest news from Gravesend