MORE than 22,000 homes will be built on a brownfield site in Ebbsfleet during the next 20 years, as a long-term housing development gets the go ahead.

Work will begin on the £100 million Kent Thameside scheme as early as next year, with 1,500 homes due to be finished at Eastern Quarry, near Bluewater, by 2020.

The development, which has been stuck on the drawing board for a decade due to concerns about necessary transport improvements, is set to bring as many as 60,000 new jobs to the north Kent area.

The Department for Transport and the Highways Agency reached a historic deal to reduce the cost of the required infrastructure improvements after months of liaising with Kent County Council (KCC) and Dartford and Gravesham Council’s.

As a result, improvements costing £116 million will be made at the Ebbsfleet and Bean junctions on the A2 as well as in five other north Kent areas, providing more efficient access to the development site.

KCC leader, Councillor Paul Carter said: “Getting this significant development underway and built out signals our continued intent to increase construction activity in Kent.

“We have real growth ambitions and this site signifies our intent to unlock the potential of the Thames Gateway.”

Dartford Council leader, Councillor Jeremy Kite added: “It’s been a long road but this finally seems to be our opportunity to build a great community and top quality housing for a new generation of Dartford families.

“Housing for sons and daughters of local people is a real responsibility and Eastern Quarry provides a great setting for young people to build their lives.”

Developer Land Securities promises 3,000 homes will be completed by 2031, on top of the 1,500 expected to be finished in eight years time.

Traffic improvement works will also see improvements in Dartford town centre, as well as at the London Road and St Clements Way junction.

Rathmore Road link in Gravesend and the Thames Way Dualling, in Ebbsfleet, will also benefit.

Transport Minister Mike Penning said: “By agreeing to carry out the necessary preparatory work for potential future junction improvements on the A2, we have been able to show our commitment and give the confidence needed by private sector developers to allow them to begin the delivery of the ambitious new housing programme in Kent Thameside.”