The second phase of a new Ebbsfleet garden city has been given the all clear after developers and landowners signed contracts.

House builder Persimmon Homes will build 170 new homes at Castle Hill after agreeing terms on the 4.2 acre plot with Land Securities.

The development will become one of three villages planned for the 664 acre Eastern Quarry near Bluewater.

Ward Homes – part of the Barratt Group – is building the first 150 three and four-bedroom homes on the site, having unveiled the first show homes in October.

It comes after housing minister Brandon Lewis told Parliament on Tuesday that £200 million pledged by the government to build the garden city would be delivered, as promised in last year’s Budget.

Persimmon Homes’ South East development director Lance Taylor said: “We’re delighted to be building 170 homes in such a prime location as Castle Hill.

“Like Land Securities, we’re committed to the highest standards of design and construction, so we look forward to working together to deliver the next phase in the exciting development of Ebbsfleet garden city.”

Land Securities will build roads and utilities on the site, with work due to commence immediately.

Construction on the houses – two, three and four-bedroom homes – is due to begin in the autumn.

Land Securities is also working with Kent County Council to develop a primary school at Castle Hill.

The firm’s London portfolio managing director Colette O’Shea said: “We are very pleased to welcome another quality house builder to Ebbsfleet in Persimmon.

“We now have real momentum at Castle Hill. People looking for a place to live are recognising it as a high quality, sustainable community with great transport links, and there’s interest in the site from other housebuilders.

“The political backing given to garden cities by all the political parties has undoubtedly led to this increased interest and pace of development.”