Acres of marshland in Dartford could be dug up under new plans by Kent County Council.

KCC has opened a consultation on the plans that would have more than 48-hectares plots dubbed Joyce Green Quarry, and Central Road, near Bob Dunn Way.

The county council identified two sites in Dartford in the Kent Minerals and Waste Local Plan, earmarking sites that could be used to extract sand and gravel.

The first - and smaller - area of Dartford marshland identified by the council is approximately 23.2 hectares, and in "close proximity" to homes near Central Road.

According to the council, it could provide sharp sand and gravel.

The larger area, Joyce Green Quarry, is according to consultation documents: "An area of marshland adjacent to the Dartford Creek forms part of the wider Dartford Marshes. The site is approximately 48 ha, is largely un-used and is currently subject to an ecological management plan as it is part of the Coastal and Floodplain Grazing Marsh Priority Habitat Inventory."

There is an estimated mineral revenue of 1.5 million tonnes at this site.

The latter land is owned by Ingrebourne Valley Ltd, which specialises in former industrial land, whilst the former is owned by Exton Estates.

The sites, under a mile apart, are both close to the Bridge development.

According to the London Wildlife Trust, Erith Crayford and Dartford Marshes form an extensive area of grazing marshes. 

The trust say the area "supports one of the strongest - but still vulnerable - populations of water vole in London."

A consultation will run until 5pm on Wednesday, March 7.