Consultation has begun on a major new scheme to improve road and rail links on the Hoo Peninsula.

The raft of plans has been put forward by Medway Council in an effort to support new housing development in the area, and follows the successful bid to secure £170 million funding through the Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF).

Proposals include a new road linking the A289 to the A228, improvements to the junctions along the Peninsula Way, and a new rail passenger service connecting to London and the stations across Medway.

Modifications planned for the A289 include providing new slip roads to Higham Road, plus widening and improvements to Islingham Farm Road and Woodfield Way.

It would mean drivers on the A289 could leave at this junction to access Hoo rather than continue on to the Four Elms Roundabout, and when travelling towards the M2/A2 drivers would be able to use the new road rather than continue to the Four Elms Roundabout.

There is also a proposed new relief road from Upchat Roundabout on Woodfield Way, connecting to an improved Main Road Hoo junction and new slip roads on the A289 from Islingham Farm Road.

Details of these and a number of other planned road improvements can be seen on Medway Council's consultation page at medway.gov.uk/futurehoo.

Residents can also have their say on the planned rail scheme to reinstate a passenger service on the Grain branch line and create a new station south of Sharnal Street providing a link to London and the stations across Medway.

Initial proposals are for a half hourly service, and passing places will be created along the existing single line to improve the frequency of trains and flexibility in the service.

Medway Council says there is scope for more frequent services in line with demand, and there is potential to construct a new section of line linking the existing Grain branch line to Higham Station.

Plans also include new public open spaces, pedestrian footpaths, cycleways, bridleways and spaces that will support wildlife and landscape features.

A number of 'environmental improvements' are proposed, including the creation of large areas of green space close to Hoo to encourage wildlife, and new 'connected green spaces', which can be easily accessed by people and wildlife through the introduction of new paths.

There would also be a green bridge over the Peninsula Way which will combine new walking and cycling provision with the creation of shrub and grassland habitats.

The engagement and consultation process will run from January 4 until February 28.

Read more: all the latest news from Medway.