A huge lorry park and 44-cover cafe along the Thanet Way is about to be given the green light by the council.

Land in Hernhill on the side of the A299 could soon be a 24-hour truck-stop for 58 HGVs with a cafe, shop and additional parking for 31 vans and 36 cars.

Developers P&S Properties Services Ltd say that with an increase in congestion on Kent’s major roads and motorways, the proposal would make a “significant impact on reducing this problem”.

In a report within the planning application, it says: “Currently the major trunk and motorway networks in Kent are experiencing problems over stacking at times of high volumes and delays on the A299, A2, M2 and M20 related to the ports of Ramsgate, Dover and Folkestone, plus the Eurotunnel links to Europe.

“This proposal will make a significant impact on reducing this problem in locations around this part of Swale and Canterbury, benefiting the road network, road users and wider communities.

“It will also offer HGV drivers a more suitable location than lay-bys and rural roads.

“The existing links off the A299 Thanet Way are more than adequate to take the movements generated by this proposal and Kent Highways, Highways England and the Department of Transport support this provision.”

Not everyone is in support of the idea, which will go before Swale Borough Council’s planning committee this Thursday, July 21.

The council’s planning experts have recommended approval, but Hernhill Parish Council were one of the first to object.

In a letter to the council, town clerk Sarah Muteham outlines the objections on behalf of the parish: “It is considered that the slip road access is not wide enough to enable two HGVS to pass in the same direction.

“The slip road access on the coastbound A299 is potentially too short for HGVs to slow down before taking the sharp left in order to access the proposed site.

“There are no detailed plans for signage advertising the proposed site.

“The proposal does not appear to have taken account of noise or light pollution to residential properties in the area and the scale of the site and its usage will generate a significant increase in traffic to the area and will therefore increase the noise.”

The planning meeting begins at 7pm at Swale House and is open to the public.

To view the plans click here and and search for reference 15/505213/FULL.