Hundreds of homes are planned for the site of a popular boot fair, next to a proposed development of another 300 properties.

Gladman Developments wants to build around 200 houses on land just off the A2 in Rainham – where the Westmoor Farm boot fair is held every other week from April until October.

The blueprints include a children’s play area and a footpath around the site. At least 25% of the houses will be affordable homes. Access will be from Otterham Quay Lane.

On the other side of the railway line, Persimmon Homes wants to build a development of 300 homes.

The proposal is still in the early stages but has already faced opposition from people living nearby.

These plans include a mix of two and three-bedroom starter homes, four and five-bedroom homes and some flats.

Access would also be from Otterham Quay Lane.

Gladman has launched an online consultation, and a leaflet outlining its plans has been distributed to almost 700 homes and businesses in Rainham.

Residents are also being asked how the development will affect them, if there is a need for housing for first-time buyers or young professionals, if there is a need for affordable housing and what community facilities people would like.

The responses will form part of the formal planning application – when residents will be given another chance to have their say.

A spokesman for Gladman Developments outlined the reasons for choosing the site: “Rainham supports a range of services and facilities which are used by both residents of the town and those in the surrounding area.

“The site is well located with good access to existing community facilities and the local public transport network. The proposal will provide new homes to sustain the vitality and viability of the local community.”

He added: “This consultation provides the community with their first opportunity to comment on and help shape the development proposals.”