Ambitious plans two years in the making for more than 30,000 new homes and 17,000 jobs are set to be given the green light by Bexley Council.

A draft version of Bexley's growth strategy was announced in April and received more than 400 responses during a public consultation.

Now, a final proposal for plans to be implemented over the next 30 years will be put before councillors and is recommended for approval.

In her foreword, council leader Teresa O’Neill said: "Our aim is clearly set out in this strategy. Bexley is about far more than building homes and workplaces, we want to create sustainable, healthy, high-quality neighbourhoods where people choose to live, play, learn and earn.

"Bexley has huge potential to grow in exciting ways, attracting new residents and businesses into the borough. There is growing momentum here that promises to open up amazing possibilities.

"The arrival of the Elizabeth line providing services to Abbey Wood will provide fast and reliable links into central London and beyond."

The growth strategy features plans for developments primarily in the north of Bexley.

The strategy includes a new neighbourhood in Belvedere, including up to 8,000 new homes and 3,500 jobs, and a potential new Crossrail station and extension of the DLR to Belvedere.

In Erith, the council's vision includes 6,000 homes and 2,000 jobs, while in Thamesmead there is scope for up to 4,000 homes and 5,000 jobs triggered by the Mayor's Housing Zone and a new Crossrail station.

Slade Green is an area earmarked for large development, including 8,000 homes and a new town centre set around a potential new Crossrail station.

A refurbished high street and boutique hotel is planned for Sidcup alongside hundreds of new homes, while in Crayford a new town centre and up to 1,000 homes are planned.

The report states: "Subject to the provision of the right levels of infrastructure, in the right locations, the document sets out how up to 31,500 new homes and 17,500 new jobs can be delivered across the borough.

"The proposed housing growth is up to 31,500 with a large amount of the potential development not taking place until triggered by the completion of major transport infrastructure.

"The proposed job growth is for a net additional job figure of up to 17,500 comprising of circa 7,000 net new jobs within the growth areas, and 10,500 jobs throughout the rest of the borough."

Bexley Labour has welcomed the growth strategy, but said the developments should be focused on transport links and infrastructure, as well as affordable housing.

Cllr Mabel Ogundayo, shadow cabinet member for housing allocations, said: "Bexley Labour has long argued for mixed communities with a range of housing affordability, mix and quality and will continue to make the argument for this across all service areas.

"Both the growth strategy and the council’s forthcoming development plan need to have a clear expectation that developers should deliver much needed affordable housing for our residents.”

Within the next five years there are plans for 3,401 new houses in the borough.

Consultation responses highlighted concerns about the levels of housing being proposed, with one campaign group starting a petition to stop developments in Slade Green.

As well as the homes, the strategy has plans for greater infrastructure such as schools in the north of the borough - there is a need for the equivalent of 12 primary schools and up to four secondary schools.

The growth strategy goes to councillors tonight (December 12).