Councillors have approved plans for a new affordable housing scheme on the site of a disused playing field.

Developers will build 26 two and three-bedroomed homes, near Copperfield Academy in Dover Road, Northfleet.

It will also include a “pocket park”, charging points for electric vehicles, and toddler play equipment.

The land, at the junction of Dover Road East and Park Avenue, was formerly used by pupils at Dover Road Community Primary School.

It has not been used by the school - now the Copperfield Academy - for more than 14 years, and is owned by Kent County Council.

Despite being overgrown and unmanaged, the site is still used by dog walkers and has been “informally” accessed by the public since the 1960s.

Cabinet member for housing, Cllr Harold Craske (Con), said: “The delivery of a wholly affordable scheme is a positive proposition, which will see an increase in affordable rented homes while also enabling local people to access affordable home ownership.”

Six rented homes will provide housing for families on the council housing register who are currently living in overcrowded circumstances, with the others reserved for those on low incomes.

Concerns were raised by Gravesham council’s leisure manager, Adrian Hickmott, about the loss of green space, alongside Cllr Dr Lauren Sullivan (Lab), who represents Northfleet and Gravesend West.

Dr Sullivan said: “In Northfleet we’ve got a real shortage of space to build on, but open space is also lacking.

"We need affordable housing that can’t be sold on, and these houses will not be buy-to-let, and will remain affordable. They cannot be bought and then sold on for market value.”