An artist’s impressions of how the Vestas development at Sheerness Docks could look

A multi-million pound development at Sheerness Docks is expected to be given the thumbs up by Swale council tonight.

The planning committee is expected to make a decision on Danish firm Vestas' plan to build a wind turbine manufacturing plant at the port.

The company has signed an agreement with Peel Ports to take over 70 hectares of land on which to build the factory, which will be to manufacture its off-shore turbines.

Part of the proposal includes the erection of three new buildings for blade production, nacelle (which the rotor and blades are fitted to) assembly, and a new block comprising offices plus a canteen, kitchen, changing room and other facilities.

Meanwhile, Cllr Steve Worrall has raised concerns about employment created by the development if it is given the go ahead.

Estimated job creation has always been around 2,000, most of which would be for local people.

However, in the 90-page planning agenda, Cllr Worrall says the targets set out are different.

It says the number of operational jobs will increase from 740 this year to just over 1,600 by 2020.

It also sets out targets for where the jobs will come from.

Vestas chief project manager Lars Erikson, left, and Paul Kavanagh

During the construction phase, it sets a target of 50% of the employment to be for Kent residents, including 15% for Swale residents.

For the operational phase, it is hoped half the jobs will be for Swale residents, but this is still under discussion.

Cllr Worrall says he is not happy with these figures.

“We need the first priority of jobs for Island residents, then they should look to the rest of Swale and then Kent,” he said.

“What I am concerned about is that we will end up with a workforce not from Sheppey.

“If we are going to get the Vestas development I will try my damndest to get as many of those jobs made available to residents on the Island.”

However, the council’s major projects officer Jim Wilson said Swale is still in the process of agreeing figures with Vestas.

A spokesman for Vestas said: “Vestas is still developing the detailed plans of its operation but has made a commitment to employ half of its staff from the local area.

“Vestas has also set out a strategy to encourage and facilitate the recruitment of local labour which includes local recruitment fairs and advertising.”

There are also plans to work with local schools, academies and colleges and agencies.