Further details of the plans to build a new town potentially home to 29,000 people and 12,000 houses on fields in Shepway will be discussed next week.

A nine-page report over Shepway District Council’s proposals for the new garden settlement around Westenhanger, Sellindge and Lympne has been released.

Cabinet members will be asked to approve a formal “expression of interest” to the government this month on the grounds the proposals have the “potential to be a unique opportunity” which would boost the local economy, jobs and homes.

Since 2014 council officers have been eyeing up the “economic potential” of land around Westenhanger and junction 11 of the M20, the report says.

Government officials have already visited the site with Shepway officers and cabinet members will be briefed that the government response was “receptive without commitment to an early expression of interested”.

Cllr David Monk revealed when the plans for Otterpool Park were first announced last month, work would be phased over 30 years should approval be granted.

A council report says: “It is envisaged that the new town will be designed so as to embrace and enhance the natural landscape with a network of green open space of the highest quality.

“New schools, shops and community facilities will be an integral part of the community with walking, cycling and sustainable transport a priority. “New infrastructure will meet the challenges of climate change to take advantage of the latest technologies in energy generation and conservation.”

The council has promised to hold “comprehensive community engagement” in developing proposals for a new garden town.

Opponents have already launched a campaign to fight the announcement and will hold a protest along the A20 on Saturday.

Cllr Monk, leader of the council said: “It is the responsibility of each generation to provide for the coming generations – to enable them to be employed and to have a home.

“A planning process will take place during which we will actively engage with the people of Shepway.

“I believe that the benefits of this proposal will be enormous, with homes for all, opportunities from apprenticeships in the construction industry and accommodation for new businesses in flexible, well-connected workspaces.”

Cabinet will meet at 5pm at the Civic Centre in Castle Hill Avenue, Folkestone with a second "commercially sensitive" report due to be held in a private session after.