The new towns set to reshape Kent in 2025

The government's aim is for 370,000 new homes in England every year, to fulfil a promise for 1.5m new homes within the next five years

There are many developments planned in Kent in 2025, with some so big they could reshape entire districts.

Known as garden towns or cities, these are large scale developments of a few thousand homes.

They are expected to help to meet the government's plan for 1.5 million homes in five years, which includes 13,000 homes a year in Kent.

These new towns are at varying stages of completion, but all are set to reshape the county in some way in 2025.

Otterpool Park

Otterpool is set to have a bigger population than nearby town, Hythe

Plans for 8,500 homes at Otterpool Park, near Folkestone, were first proposed in 2012 but finally gained planning permission in 2023.

The scheme, led by council-owned company, Otterpool Park LLC, includes a new town centre, shops, health centres and community centres on the former Folkestone Racecourse.

Construction could move a step closer in 2025 due to an agreement made in December between Homes England and Folkestone & Hythe District Council.

The delay has partly been due to the need for an "eye-wateringly expensive" wastewater treatment plant for the site, council leader Jim Martin told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Plans for the essential wastewater facility are due to be submitted in 2025.

Highstead Park

The Highstead Park project will now be decided by the secretary of state

An 8,400-home garden village planned near Sittingbourne has been called in by the government for an inquiry.

The development is split into two parts. The larger site includes up to 7,150 homes, a hotel, a new waste recycling centre and schools, while the smaller site includes 1,250 homes.

The plans were due to be rejected by Swale Borough Council, but the government intervened just three hours before the planning meeting.

A council spokesperson said it would "work closely" with the Secretary of State but will "robustly explain the council's reasons for recommending refusal".

Ebbsfleet Garden City

The Ebbsfleet Garden City development has made Dartford the second fastest growing borough in England

The 15,000-home Ebbsfleet Garden City, approved in 2014, is already under way.

The 4,000th home at the development, which borders Dartford and Gravesham, was completed in February.

Ian Piper, chief executive of Ebbsfleet Development Corporation (EDC) said looking ahead to 2025 they were expecting to build another 600 homes, with eight housebuilders working on the scheme.

They will also expand the Fastrack bus route and open the Alkerden Education Campus secondary in a temporary building.

Chilmington Green

Chilmington Green is part of the South Ashford Garden Community (SAGC) strategy

The Chilmington Green development has been reshaping the outskirts of Ashford for years.

Plans for the 5,750-home development were approved in 2014, with many of the homes already built and hundreds already occupied.

But 2025 could see the loss of some of its section 106 agreements, including its promise to fund the £30m project to dual the A28.

Councillor Linda Harman, portfolio holder for planning at Ashford Borough Council, told the BBC the council, along with Kent County Council, would seek to "appeal robustly" against the changes.

South East Faversham

The masterplan for the South East Faversham development states the neighbourhood will be self sustaining, zero carbon and water neutral

There are almost 2,500 homes planned on farmland near Faversham owned by the Duchy of Cornwall.

The south east Faversham development would include 400 social rent homes, 35% affordable homes, shops, a new primary school, a water recycling centre and healthcare facilities.

Those against the development say it will "swallow up historic villages"

Swale Borough Council (SBC) said the application was being considered in accordance with its local plan.

The Duchy said it will be hosting pop-ups in the new year to discuss the plans further.

Kent County Council declined to comment.