One of Kent's biggest car sellers is poised to open a new site, creating 300 jobs.

Big Motoring World, which operates from a base in Addington, West Malling, is planning to expand on 22-acres off Blue Bell Hill.

The company has already gained planning permission from Tonbridge and Malling council for the land near Junction 3 of the M2, where it intends to display thousands of used BMW, Mercedes and Audi vehicles.

The firm is also planning to expand its existing West Malling site across a neighbouring seven-acre plot, a move it said could create an additional 200 jobs.

Chief executive Peter Waddell said: “Praise must go to my management team and staff who keep surprising me with the figures.

“Last year we experienced a 281% growth in sales, accompanied by a fruitful turnover of £175 million. This year looks to be even stronger as our car sales to date are projecting 15,000 from the West Malling site alone.

“With the expansion to Blue Bell Hill, we are forecasting combined sales of 35,000 cars across our sites over the next two years.”

The firm employs more than 200 staff across its flagship sales forecourt in West Malling, its collection and service centre in Snodland, a preparation centre in Aylesford, and two other showrooms in Canterbury.

Big Motoring World has been trading for more than 20 years.