An appeal to create a large out-of-town shopping centre near Maidstone, featuring Waitrose and Debenhams stores has not yet been lodged.

Maidstone council had said that Land Securities, the developer behind plans for an expanded Newnham Court, near Junction 7 of the M20, had lodged an appeal against its refusal to grant planning permission, but has now admitted it was an error.

The council rejected the scheme in July. It argued that the scheme did not meet the government’s or its own town-centre-first policy.

The proposal would have included a new Waitrose store, Debenhams, an expanded Notcutts garden centre, 17 other retails units, plus restaurants and cafes.

A spokesman for Land Securities said: "Land Securities is continuing to consider its options on a possible appeal."