Plans for up to 532 new homes in Ebbsfleet have been approved on the site of an old cement works.

The development, part of the wider plan for Ebbsfleet Garden City, will also include a neighbourhood centre, emloyment space expected to create up to 1,500 jobs, food and drink outlets along the River Thames and a riverside promenade.

The plans also include a network of pedestrian and cycle routes and a bridge linking the residential area to Lawn Primary School.

The 31 hectare site closed as cement works in 2008.

The site forms part of the EDC’s strategic Northfleet Riverside site, for which further plans are expected this year for more than 600 more homes and a primary school by Keepmoat and for a new commercial scheme with up to 690 jobs in a £35million joint venture between Gravesham Borough Council and the EDC.

Paul Spooner, Interim Chief Executive of the EDC, said: “The transformation of the riverfront in Northfleet  is good for housing and good for jobs.

“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.

“As the development plans progress,  more than 2,000 jobs could be created in this area for local people and we will continue to work with private landowners and developers to achieve this.”

A spokesman for Northfleet Property said: “We look forward to continuing to work closely with the Development Corporation to secure the early delivery of this key riverside site within Ebbsfleet Garden City.”

The planning committee also gave approval for Ebbsfleet Garden City’s first pub and hotel.

Marstons is to build the 220-cover pub and 104-bedroom hotel at Ebbsfleet Green to complement Redrow’s 950-home development which is currently under construction.