Plans for a new nature reserve that will cost more than £2 million to create have been submitted by Medway Council.

The plans form part of the environmental enhancements the council is bringing forward as part of its £170m plans to support the delivery of 10,600 homes on the Hoo Peninsula.

The authority plans to spend £14.35m from the Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF) on wildlife and ecology improvements.

Last year, the council approved its own plan to create a country park between Hoo St Werburgh and Chattenden which will be called Cockham Community Parkland.

It has now applied for planning permission for another park called the Hoo Wetlands Reserve, which would cost just under £2.5m to establish.

The 16-acre site stretches from the Medway Estuary and West Hoo Creek, to Abbots Court Road to the south of Hoo.

Currently farmland, it contains part of the Saxon Shore Way, the 163-mile coastal footpath connecting Gravesend and Hastings.

Under the plans, a wetland habitat would be established to support wildlife including cuckoos, skylarks, teal, shelduck, visiting winter birds, water voles, bats and reptiles.

A report presented by the council says there would be a mix of fresh and saltwater wetlands.

In order to achieve this, the water would be directed from the Hoo Stream and the Medway Internal Drainage Board water course.

There would be access for pedestrians off Abbots Court Road and the Saxon Shore Way and there would be space set aside for a rangers' station and a series of bridges and boardwalks to allow people to walk around the site.

Information boards would also feature on the site, detailing the Grade II-listed Second World War defences such as the nearby Hoo Stop Line, and the site’s Saxon heritage.

Medway Council leader Alan Jarrett (Con) said: “These important proposals are sensitive to the historic landscape of the Peninsula and its environment.

"By creating a network of new wetland habitats through conversion of low-grade arable farmland, studies show it will increase biodiversity of the area by an estimated 44% significantly higher than the minimum 10% required by the government.

“During our recent consultation with the public earlier this summer, nearly 70% said they were likely to visit Hoo Wetlands Reserve once work is complete.

"Nearly nine out of 10 respondents believed the conservation, protection and enhancement of natural habitats on Hoo Peninsula was important, and this application will play an important role in delivering the wishes of our residents.”

A decision on the plans is expected by Monday, February 13.

The council is also planning to establish another park neighbouring the MOD land at Lodge Hill.