A KEY stretch of the proposed Fastrack public transport system between Dartford and Gravesend has been passed by Kent County Council. On Tuesday, the authority gave conditional planning approval to a 7.2 kilometre section - part of the scheme's £15 million first phase.

The plans, which will involve the construction of a dedicated bus route between Dartford and Greenhithe, will now be referred to the Secretary of State for final approval. The project will see the partial widening of roads and the use of existing bus lanes.

Fastrack buses will travel from Dartford Civic Centre and go south east alongside Darenth Road to join Princes Road. They will then head towards Greenhithe taking in the grounds of Darent Valley Hospital and Bluewater en route. Strict planning conditions have been included to tackle environmental issues affecting residents and wildlife.