Plans for a new 650-vehicle truckstop have been approved.

The Waterbrook Park application in Ashford has been in the pipeline since November when developer GSE Group submitted its masterplan for the £150 million project.

Now the hybrid scheme - which will replace the existing 300-space Ashford International Truckstop off Bad Munstereifel Road near junction 10 - has been approved by the council's planning committee.

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Full planning permission for the truckstop and a number of commercial buildings has been given, as well as outline permission for up to 400 homes, a supermarket and drive-through restaurants.

GSE Group managing director Darrell Healey said: "This is great news for Ashford and Kent and is the combined efforts of our team working closely with the council’s planners.

"It will create a new business space and new homes for Ashford, as well as securing much-needed parking for lorries and new homes.

“Across Kent there is a growing shortage of high quality commercial property.

"Waterbrook will help sustain Ashford by supporting the growth of existing local businesses and help attract new ones, creating jobs for the growing population.”

Lorries are currently being turned away from the existing truckstop due to a lack of parking spots.

The Waterbrook site goes across 140 acres and will also include a Jaguar Land Rover dealership.