Plans for a huge lorry park off the M20 to cope when Operation Stack is implemented are likely to take a major step forward within a year, according to Kent County Council.

The politician in charge says a formal planning application is expected to be submitted for the 70-acre park capable of holding more than 2,000 lorries - provided a full assessment of the environmental impact clears the way.

Cllr Bryan Sweetland (Con), KCC’s cabinet member for highways, said he was expecting to press ahead with a detailed planning application once the environmental study was completed.

"We are going to complete the work and off the back of that, we will be putting in a full planning application. As far as we are concerned, it is still the only viable option we have and is the only practical solution on the table. The environmental assessment will probably take a year to complete and we will look at the results."

The news is likely to draw a mixed reaction. Local campaigners who are opposed to the park plan for a site near Aldington will be dismayed that KCC has not been persuaded to abandon the idea.

However, others will welcome the news that there may finally be some progress in a much-delayed project first unveiled three years ago.

KCC has been examining what it describes as a "no frills" option for the park, which would not involve the need for a new junction off the M20 motorway. A solution to that has apparently now been found.

However, the issue of who would pay for the lorry park - estimated at between £25m and £30m - remain unresolved.

KCC hopes government plans to charge foreign hauliers to use the UK’s roads could provide a way forward.

KCC leader Paul Carter said the option of using money raised by foreign hauliers should be considered.

"We have the inconvenience of being the transport corridor. We will be lobbying very hard with the Department of Transport and Mike Penning to make sure Operation Stack Park, improvements to the M2 and M20 are made over the medium term," he said.