A masterplan for a new residential zone containing 532 homes, three parks and a community centre has been approved.

Developers say Northfleet Embankment West, which was approved tonight, will be one of the main areas of Ebbsfleet Garden City.

The major scheme, built on the site of a former cement works, will form an extension to the existing Northfleet community, and is said to reflect the area’s industrial heritage.

It will open up part of the River Thames in a new waterfront promenade and provide a network of pedestrian and cycle routes including a planned new Fastrack bus route.

Planners say it will also include "up to 160 affordable houses and apartments", and that the wider site is planned to provide employment buildings and waterfront bars and cafes.

Throughout the development there will be electric vehicle charging points, sustainable drainage, water reduction measures and small-scale renewable energy generation.

It will also include at least 3.5 hectares of open space including the promenade, a new public park and heritage park in addition to a new school playing pitch with dual community use.

The scheme also aims to open access to the River Thames and provide a network of green open spaces.

The site closed as a cement works in 2008 and forms part of the EDC’s strategic Northfleet Riverside site, for which approval has already been given for 600 homes to Keepmoat Homes.

The development is intended to complement emerging proposals by EDC for redevelopment around Robin’s Creek where Ebbsfleet Development Corporation is looking to create a major park.

Mark Pullin, Ebbsfleet Development Corporation’s Chief Planning Officer, said: “This area will not only be an attractive area to live but will also become a real destination set against the background of the River Thames and will provide much needed accessible open space in this part of the Garden City for existing and future residents to enjoy.

“The River Thames will be opened up for the first time in a century, allowing new and existing communities to walk and cycle in this part of Northfleet and then connect with the rest of Garden City and Ebbsfleet International Station.”

Last year work began on Northfleet Embankment East, another major aspect of the scheme comprising of 598 homes and a new primary school.

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