The man leading plans to create more than 1,000 jobs over the next 20 years at a Kent port has suddenly left his position less than two years after revealing the proposals.

Peel Ports, the owner of Sheerness Docks, confirmed that Miles Hearn has left his position as site director and said it would take its time to find a suitable replacement.

Mr Hearn, who became port director in June 2013, was the leading figure when plans were unveiled in 2014 to transform the maritime transport hub, setting up a direct rail link to Liverpool.

In a brief statement, his bosses said he had left his post “in order to pursue new career opportunities” and thanked him “for his hard work to date”.

A spokesman added: “We will look to secure a suitable replacement for Miles in due course.”

Mr Hearn, 45, began his career as an engineer and spent most of his career on infrastructure projects around airports and railways.

The father of two grew up in the North West and was based in west London for 20 years.