Plans for an enterprise zone for east Kent could be pitched against rival options from other parts of the south east.

The prospect of a beauty contest among competing bids comes as the government prepares to announce its plans for a second tranche of enterprise zones.

And decisions about which area to put forward in the south east could create tensions in the newly-formed Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) for the south east.

The LEP, which brings together business and council chiefs and is headed by KCC leader Cllr Paul Carter, will have the job of determining which area it wants to back for enterprise zone status.

It includes representatives from three counties – Essex, Kent and East Sussex – and already there are suggestions both Sussex and Essex have ideas for zones in their areas.

Click here to read our political editor Paul's view

The call for an enterprise zone for east Kent follows the shock announcement of Pfizer’s departure from its Sandwich site with the loss of 2,400 jobs.

It was one of the key recommendations of the government taskforce recently set up to consider ways of mitigating the impact of the pharmaceutical company’s departure in 2012.

However, it was not among the 10 zones confirmed by the Chancellor in his budget.

Thanet South MP Laura Sandys said she remained optimistic the government would look favourably on any bid from east Kent but admitted there was no guarantee.

"There is no certainty but there is a lot of support across government to ensure we get the right resources for the regeneration from the government that we need.

"I very much hope it will be among the 21 zones that will be announced in the next few months," she said.

But Hastings and Rye MP Amber Rudd said there was an equally strong case for her constituency to be part of a zone.

"Hastings has significant problems in terms of deprivation and low wages but is also a town of opportunity.

"We would be ideal for an enterprise zone in terms of getting people back into work and attracting businesses."

Under the government’s programme, enterprise zones would be able to offer incentives to potential businesses looking to set up, such as discounted business rates and start up grants.

There would also be a simpler planning system with fewer regulations to encourage business growth.

Some have argued that the zones will not create new jobs but move jobs around.