A bike factory promising £100 million of investment and thousands of jobs in Ashford is now one step closer as official plans have been submitted.

Bike manufacturer Brompton announced its aim to move its global headquarters to the town in February, earmarking wetlands near the Designer Outlet for the scheme.

If approved it will be built along the Avenue Jacques Faucheux dual carriageway, close to Asda.

Now the plans are in place, a consultation period will take place where people can have their say on the scheme.

Artist's impressions show there will be wide paths for cyclists and pedestrians to go straight into the facility, which will also have a visitor centre, museum and cafe.

The land is currently unused and is part of a 100-acre floodplain but Brompton says this is not an issue as the factory will be built on stilts.

Plans say the development is an opportunity to restore the wetland and has been designed to work in harmony with the landscape and support biodiversity.

The building will house the company's production facility and would become Brompton's headquarters which is currently in London.

Cllr Gerry Clarkson, leader of Ashford Borough Council (ABC), welcomed the news of the application saying: “This represents a once in a generation opportunity for the borough to develop a partnership with an internationally renowned cycling brand, that will bring jobs and opportunities to the town.

"The scheme will enable Ashford to fulfil a long-held ambition to create a wetland park that will enhance the environment and encourage more people to explore the area in a sustainable, eco-focused manner.

"Ashford has set the pace in Kent for inward investment and this new factory will bring many positive benefits and will put Ashford on the map as a cycling hub.”

“The application will be subjected to a rigorous and meticulous planning process to ensure it meets the high standards upheld in this borough, which is at the heart of the Garden of England.”

Brompton forms part of the council's 'Super 6' project, a series of long-term developments it wants to focus on over the next few years.

A spokesperson for Brompton said: “This is an exciting step towards creating our revolutionary new factory of the future in Ashford.

"We were pleased with the initial positive feedback from our public consultation events and look forward to seeing further feedback as this process unfolds.”

ABC has long held plans to transform 60 acres of the field into a rewilded public nature reserve with a community cycle path and a network of trails.

It hopes the Brompton plans - drawn up by architects Hollaway and to be developed by Quinn Estates - will coincide with this.

Despite the vast development, it won't come with any parking spaces in a bid to encourage employees and visitors to access the site by cycling, walking, or using public transport.

It hopes to open the factory by 2027 with the aim of producing more than 200,000 bikes per year, doubling its current rate.

At first, the company expects to employ more than 1,500 staff but once fully operational, this is expected to rise to 4,000 across the supply chain.

It is claimed the proposals equate to a £100 million investment in the local economy and Brompton has also pledged to work with Kent universities, colleges and schools to develop a skilled workforce locally for generations to come.

They include a pledge to build skills and new high quality job opportunities in the county including engineering and manufacturing, research and product development, purchasing, sales and logistics.

Dr Anne Nortcliffe, founding head of school of engineering, technology and design at Canterbury Christ Church University, said: “We are delighted that Brompton has chosen Ashford as a location to expand their operations and build an ambitious and versatile site with sustainability at the heart of its operation.

“Their vision echoes our own net zero commitments, and the innovative and exciting plans will support the growth and development of the region’s economy, as well as bring many positive benefits to our local communities.

“The University is looking forward to collaborating with Brompton on a number of initiatives to drive innovation and to help develop the next generations of diverse manufacturing and engineering talent.”

Graham Razey, chief executive at EKC Group, said: “We’re incredibly pleased to be working in close collaboration with Brompton to ensure they have the skills they need to grow and flourish in the Ashford borough.

“We pride ourselves on linking our provision closely with local employer need, so it is wonderful to be able to partner with such an exciting and growth-oriented company.

"As part of our work to deliver the skills they need, we are currently building Ashford Phase 2, which will house an expanded engineering provision to ensure we have the capacity to create their future workforce from within the community that we serve.”

The factory would be built in three phases.

The first would include a 190,000 sq ft e-bike factory which is a new venture for Brompton.

Phase two is the relocation of the traditional bike manufacturing and their operations in London, and phase three would see the arrival of the education and research development hub.

Susie Warran-Smith CBE, Chair, Locate in Kent, said: “We’re delighted to see these fantastic proposals reach their first major milestone with the submission of a planning application to Ashford Borough Council.

“There are many reasons why this project should be welcomed, not least in demonstrating how Kent’s high tech, sustainable and skilled workforce is playing an essential role in growing the economy of this well-connected part of the UK.

“This new factory will be a game changer for Kent and Medway, a catalyst for further inward investment."