Plans for a new stadium for Gillingham FC have been given the backing of a government minister.

MP Mark Francois, minister for Thames Gateway, met with Medway Council and Gills chairman Paul Scally at Priestfield this morning when he saw initial proposals for a new stadium and local regeneration plans.

Mr Francois said: “As Kent’s only Football League club, Gillingham is a leading light for sport across the county and is now looking to score hundreds of new homes, jobs and businesses too.

“But it’s early days and I’d urge the club to work with the Council to make sure any final plans are a good fit for the local area.”

In 2014, draft plans were submitted for a new stadium on 40 acres of land at Mill Hill, off Yokosuka Way in Gillingham – about a mile from the existing stadium in Redfern Avenue.

In addition to the sports ground, a supermarket and hundreds of homes are proposed for the plot, which is opposite the club’s training facilities.

Gills chairman Paul Scally said: “Gillingham Football Club has been examining potential new sites in Medway for over eight years, and has now identified the most appropriate site for a stadium and enabling development based on infrastructure and suitability of site.

“That’s why we’ll be working closely with the council and local people to make sure we get our final plans right.”

During his, the minister met with Gillingham and Rainham MP Rehman Chishti and Medway councillors.

He was shown the improvement work at Strand Leisure Park in Gillingham and regeneration going on at Victory Pier.

Cllr Chambers said: “We were pleased to welcome Minister Mark Francois to Medway and have the opportunity to show him a selection of our ongoing regeneration work, including Victory Pier, the potential proposals for The Strand in Gillingham and potential relocation of Gillingham Football Club.”