NEW council houses are set to be built for the first time in more than 12 years.

Gravesham Council’s regulatory board has given permission for the creation of five houses on the site of a former scout hut in Harden Road, Northfleet.

The new homes will be owned by the council, which was recently classified as a social housing landlord, and rented to people from the housing waiting list.

A council spokesman said it plans to employ a local building company to construct the homes, and once one has been found details of the cost of the houses and an expected completion date will be announced. Council cabinet member for housing Councillor Anthony Pritchard said: “I am delighted we have been able to start the task of building much needed new council homes for rent so quickly.

“This is only the start. We shall be planning to build more in the near future.”