River tours from Rochester could soon restart as a new dock has been given the go-ahead.

Medway Council has approved its own application to build an access platform on the River Medway at Limehouse Wharf, a five-minute walk from the railway station.

It would enable boats to dock and offer river tours, giving a boost to the historic town’s footfall and tourism economy.

Housing developer Countryside Homes has agreed to place the dock within the Rochester Riverside development, which is currently under construction.

The council hopes the new piece of infrastructure will reboot regular services on the waters between Rochester and Southend, as well as further afield.

Kent-based tour operator Jetstream Tours plans to run a 100-person sailing to Rochester from Southend via Queensborough every Sunday between April and September.

Additionally, the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society would run two sailings of the world’s last sea-going paddle steamer, the Waverley, twice a year on the last weekend of September from London to Rochester.

The approved plans include a metal access platform with steps and a ramp, taking passengers over the existing river wall.

Although an opening date is not yet known, the council has already received funding from the government’s Local Transport Fund to cover the construction costs.

Access to the River Medway has badly declined since Rochester Pier closed in 2019 after a lower section collapsed into the waters.