The Eastern Quarry area, now known as Whitecliffe, will be home to the villages of Ashmere and Alkerden.

Up to 4,600  homes will be built in the location adding to the 1,600 homes in Castle Hill where building work is well underway.

Mark Pullin, chief planning officer at Ebbsfleet Development Corporation, said: “These are two very important decisions which define how the biggest part of Ebbsfleet Garden City will be shaped over the years to come.”

The 667-acre site lies 19 miles to the South East of Central London, in a key location, bounded to the west by the Bluewater Shopping Centre and to the east by Ebbsfleet International rail station.

It is owned by Henley Camland which will provide the roads and services to land parcels that will be developed by a range of house builders, commercial and community investors.

Michael Cassidy, chairman of Ebbsfleet Development Corporation’s board, said: “The process of giving planning permission for the “look and feel” of the main next phase of housing at Ebbsfleet Garden City marks an historic turning point in the ambitions for this flagship enterprise.

“It shows how intelligent use of planning powers and cooperation from landowners and developers can bring matters to a speedy conclusion and a quality outcome that befits a Garden City.”

At the heart of Alkerden is a new ‘market centre’ with commercial, retail and community facilities as well as  new homes.

It will be defined by a primary and secondary education campus as well as library, sports facilities and a mixed-use centre with shops and cafes, business space a doctor’s surgery and gym.

The approval also provides a clear vision for how a major urban park which will run through the centre of Whitecliffe.

Ashmere, will contrast Alkerden with its strong Kentish influenced design codes and commitment to garden city principles.

Last year, social housing provider Clarion and developer Countryside entered into a joint venture to deliver up to 2,600 new homes on the site in Ashmere.