A PROJECT to build new police headquarters to serve the whole of north Kent is gaining pace.

Kent Police Authority submitted detailed planning permission for the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) station to Gravesham Council on December 28 last year.

More than 700 residents have now been consulted by the council and a decision will be made by planning officers as early as February 15.

The PFI project would cost an estimated £23m and would be partly financed by the Home Office.

The rest of the cash would be invested privately by RHK consortium, which will construct and maintain the building.

The 11,471sq m, four-storey complex would be situated on land south of Thamesway, between Brookvale Depot and Springhead Linear Park, Ebbsfleet.

Outline planning permission for the project was granted in February last year.

Policing carried out in Dartford, Gravesham, Swanley and Meopham would all be controlled and performed from under the same roof.

It will be used by more than 600 members of staff and be made up of offices, cells and meeting rooms.

Space would be made for more than 400 car parking spaces on the 2.82 hectare site.

Planners are expected to impose strict conditions to the development, including one which states dog kennels should be placed inside the building to prevent barking from being heard outside.

PFI project manager Peter Cox said: "We are pleased to be able to submit this detailed planning application.

"This new police operations centre is an example of Kent Police's commitment to improving facilities for both staff and the public."