Almost half the properties on a huge housing estate have now been sold, developers have revealed.

Building firm Redrow says contracts have been exchanged on all of the 266 homes across the first three phases of its Herne Bay golf course development.

This comes as the national company sets its sights on completing the scheme – which will see 568 properties erected on the outskirts of town – by the spring of 2025.

Redrow sales manager Leon Shelton-Smith said: “We’re delighted with the progress that has been made, having now sold almost 270 homes to a diverse range of buyers.

“The scheme has attracted local couples and families, along with those from further afield who are looking to relocate to the coast and switch up their lifestyles.”

The development was one of four across the Bay earmarked in 2017 for a total of more than 3,000 homes in Canterbury City Council’s Local Plan, which acts as the district’s housing blueprint.

It is the only one of the quartet to have seen work begin onsite, as progress on the remaining three – spread across Hillborough, Strode Farm and Greenhill – continues to drag on.

Developer Mark Quinn drew up the initial plans for the 100-acre plot, securing planning permission from the local authority in September 2015.

Shortly afterwards, he struck a deal with Redrow for it to construct the properties, which start at £399,995 for a three-bedroom house.

The old golf club site is also home to a £10 million sports hub – built by Mr Quinn’s Quinn Estates – consisting of a state-of-the-art pavilion, 4G pitches and a wicket.

It now acts as the base for the town’s hockey, youth football, cricket and tennis clubs.