A planning application for a £180million redevelopment of the former Aylesford Newsprint site has now been submitted.

The plans, if approved, could create 3,000 new jobs .

The proposals are being put forward by Panattoni , Europe's largest privately-owned industrial developer.

It plans to rename the site Panattoni Park Aylesford if it gets the green light.

The 90-acre brownfield site has been vacant since 2015 when some 290 jobs were lost and the proposal is to invest £180m in the design and build of seven industrial buildings offering in the region of 177,000sq metres of new commercial floorspace, a new link road and landscaping.

Tony Watkins, development director at Panattoni, said: “When fully occupied in 2024 the site will deliver more than £162m per annum of economic value to the borough of Tonbridge & Malling, and Kent as a whole, by supporting 3,000 industrial, logistics, distribution and manufacturing jobs, and a further 2,560 indirect jobs.

“With £1billion of development projects across the UK we are working with many of the world’s leading companies. We are confident that Panattoni Park will meet these companies’ needs and also provide buildings to support the growth of local companies constrained by the lack of facilities.”

After local consultation, it has finalised its plans which include investing in a £6m new link road connecting Bellingham Way and Station Road.

The proposed link road, to be completed before the industrial units, is designed to ease congestion at junctions 4 and 5 of the M20.

A weight limit will also ensure that all HGVs entering and exiting the site will travel along Bellingham Way to Junction 4 via Leybourne Way.

It is proposed Bellingham Way will become a public highway and be adopted by Kent County Council, a move supported by Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council.

Panattoni is also working with bus operator Arriva, and proposing to invest in extending the existing route with Maidstone town centre via the site. A service, supported by Panattoni for five years until it becomes financially viable, will operate every 30 minutes, matching it with shift patterns and flexible working arrangements.

Electric bike stations are proposed subject to third-party agreement at Aylesford train station, the local superstore and Leybourne Lakes Country Park to help people get to and from work, and also promote wellbeing and fitness for staff.

Mr Watkins added: "We have seen a dramatic increase in companies looking for buildings that can simultaneously support their online as well as physical high street presence. Our proposals, consistent with Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council’s economic ambitions, come at the right time as the country considers how to restart, renew and build in economic resilience.

“We have consulted widely with the local community, writing to over 20,000 local homes asking residents to provide feedback. People could view the proposals online and our project website received over 10,000 views in just two weeks with over 150 residents providing comments on how best to improve the scheme.

“Our conversations with local stakeholders and organisations, such as Locate in Kent, have been positive. As a result we have refined our application including extending the bus route, improving off-site cycle and footpath connectivity, as well as protecting and enhancing the biodiversity following consultation.”

Gavin Cleary, CEO at Locate in Kent , said: “It’s fantastic news for Kent to see Panattoni’s redevelopment plans for the Aylesford Newsprint site submitted. This shows a step in the right direction as many businesses in the county begin to rebuild and grow for the future.

“This project could make a significant impact in the region in terms of job creation and economic growth alongside travel and infrastructure enhancements. As we move forward for Kent, it is positive to see confidence in the region as an excellent investment and business location.”

If the planning application is approved by Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council, it is hoped that construction will begin in 2021, with first occupation expected spring 2022 and completion of the development by 2024.

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