EVERYTHING from the road system to schooling places have been catered for by the team of companies hoping to develop the Eastern Quarry site, just across the road from the Bluewater shopping centre at Greenhithe.

Consulting Engineers Peter Brett is just one of the many firms involved in the massive scheme.

Brett's Dermot Scanlon said there are many factors that have to be considered when designing the 7,250 homes and facilities that will eventually fill the area.

"When we first started talking about developing the site Dartford council gave us a wish list of things that would have to be included.

"Secondary and primary schools, sports facilities, a place of worship and shops are just a few," he said.

The developers also had to think about the road system that would cater for the thousands of new residents. A planning application will be submitted later this year and if successful work with start in 2004.

Mr Scanlon said: "We think it will take about a year for the council to make their final decision."

The plans involve the area being turned into five separate villages, each holding more than 1,000 homes.

"This land will be managed rather than left to go to rack and ruin," Mr Scanlon said. The new villages would reflect the trends in population across the country.

"The latest census shows that there are more elderly people than ever so that means we would have to create one bedroom homes rather than lots of three bedroom houses for families."