A series of exhibitions will be held about a new station connecting people in Thanet to London in about an hour.

People can give their views on the £14 million proposals for an unstaffed, two-platform station near Cliffsend, near Ramsgate.

The idea has gained greater weight after the developers Trevor Cartner and Chris Musgrave, owners of business site Discovery Park, bought the former Manston airport site.

The pair want to turn it into a hub for manufacturing companies, which will want access to the capital.

Passengers getting on at Thanet Parkway station would be able to reach Stratford International Station in about an hour from early 2019.

The development will include an access road connecting it to the A256 and the A299 at the Sevenscore roundabout.

Kent County Council cabinet member for environment and transport David Brazier said: “East Kent has lots of exciting development opportunities but its long commuting times to London and poor connections to the rest of Kent have meant that it hasn’t been the first choice for new business investment.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to generate jobs, unlock development and boost investment in the local economy by improving connectivity and access to the capital.”

The Thanet Parkway project has already been provisionally awarded £10 million from central Government, with KCC committing £1.5m, and discussions are underway with other parties to fill a £2.5 million funding gap.

Mr Brazier continued: “Our plans are at an early stage so the exact location, layout and appearance of the station, car park and access arrangements may change.

“We now want to hear what local residents and business think, and I encourage them to take part in our consultation.”

Seven consultation events will be held across Thanet and Dover during the eight week public consultation period. These will be on:

February 12, noon to 8pm

Cliffsend Village Hall, Foads Lane, Cliffsend, Ramsgate CT12 5JH

February 17, 3pm to 7.30pm

Ramsgate Railway Station, Ticket Hall, Ramsgate CT11 7RE

February 19, noon to 8pm

Sandwich Guildhall, Castle Market, Sandwich CT13 9AH

February 21, 10am to 6pm

Ramsgate Town Council, Meeting Room, The Custom House, Harbour Parade, Ramsgate CT11 8LP

February 24, 10am to 5pm

Discovery Park Enterprise Zone, Magellan Suite, Innovation House, Discovery Park CT13 9FF

February 26, 2pm to 5.30pm

Minster-in-Thanet Library, 4A Monkton Road, Minster, Ramsgate CT12 4EA

March 4, 2pm to 8pm

Herne Community Centre, St.Martin’s View, off School Lane, Herne CT6 7AE

The consultation questionnaire can be completed online at www.kent.gov.uk/thanetparkway