Go-ahead for Medway redevelopment

It is hoped the plans will revitalise the Medway towns area

A multi-million pound plan to transform the Medway towns over the next 20 years has been agreed by the local council as part of the area's £1bn regeneration.

Six hundred homes will be built in Strood, and Chatham's Pentagon shopping centre will receive a £160m makeover.

Local residents are concerned the housing plans mean losing open space.

Rodney Chambers, leader of Medway Council, said the right balance had been struck between preserving space and the need for more housing.

He added that there would be further public consultation on the projects.

Councillor Jane Chitty said: "These development briefs lay down very clearly the guidelines by which developers now put in planning applications."

The council is looking for private investors to help fund the £1bn redevelopment of the area.