Another 250 new homes and a new “village centre” have been approved for a garden city in Kent.

The proposals for Ebbsfleet, between Gravesend and Dartford, also feature a supermarket and space for a cafe takeaways and small businesses in the centre of the area known as Castle Hill.

The plans put forward by developer Newcrest were approved by the Ebbsfleet Development Corporation, which oversees planning for the area, on Wednesday night.

Social housing provider Clarion was given permission for a further 37 houses and 31 apartments in Castle Hill, all of which will be shared ownership.

The approvals continue towards the government’s target of 6,250 homes to be built in three villages in the huge Eastern Quarry near Bluewater.

The corporation’s interim cheif executive Paul Spooner said: “It’s good to see another 250 homes being approved after a phenomenal 12 months for Ebbsfleet Garden City which saw more than 600 homes under construction.

“Ebbsfleet Garden City provides a wide range of housing, from affordable with shared ownership, helping to give people a good start on the property ladder, to quality family homes, all on London’s doorstep but at a fraction of its price.”