A Chance for people to have their say on the future look of Maidstone is on offer later this month.

It is contained in Maidstone council’s core strategy.

The planning blueprint will determine the shape of the borough over the next 14 years until 2026 and contains several proposals likely to prove controversial, including warehouse development at junction 8 in Bearsted, and huge housing developments in Langley.

Junction 8 was famously where the Kent International Gateway warehouses were going to be built, sparking a fierce public campaign (pictured above).

Backbench councillors could have challenged the proposals by calling in the decision by the cabinet, but chose not to do so.

Lib Dem leader Cllr Fran Wilson said: “The cabinet members were already well informed of our views after extensive debates by the scrutiny committee and by the spatial planning strategy advisory group. It is time to let the public have their say.”

Notifications on the consultation will be issued later this month.