KENT Highway Services has begun work on the site of its new mission control depot beside the M20.

Staff will move into purpose-built offices on the Henwood Industrial Estate at Ashford next summer. It has been designed with a number of environmental features.

The new centre includes a biomass boiler to provide all the hot water and heating. Chosen as the most energy-efficient option following an extensive study of renewable technologies, it will be fuelled by wood pellets that can be sourced locally.

There will also have brine-making facilities - a first for Kent - which will help to supplement winter salting operations. This will allow Kent Highway Services to carry out 'wet salting' of roads, which is more efficient and effective in certain situations than the traditional distribution of dry salt.

The building will make maximum use of daylight and include low-energy light fittings. Underfloor heating will have controls to avoid over-use of energy and the building will be naturally ventilated as far as possible.

The depot will serve Ashford, Shepway, Canterbury, Dover, Swale and Thanet districts. There will be space for up to 170 staff, but many will be working away from the office using the latest mobile technology.

Keith Ferrin, Kent County Council cabinet member for environment, highways and waste said: "The new Ashford depot is a fantastic development that will be a great asset for Kent Highway Services.

"The innovative environmental features provide practical, cost effective solutions, and we look forward to working from the new depot next year."