There has been a mixed reaction to plans that might see Kent get a new dedicated 200-space lorry park in the greenbelt.

Moto Hospitality, the company that already runs 45 motorway service areas across the country, is proposing to build an HGV parking facility for overnight stays off the M26 near Wrotham.

Access would be via Junction 2A of the motorway which links the M20 with the M25.

The plans included a drivers' amenity building, a fuelling station and a new roundabout.

The site is outside the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) but within the greenbelt.

Tom Tugendhat, the MP for Tonbridge and Malling, whose constituency covers the site, said: "While I recognise the need to make sure there are suitable HGV parking places in our region, I also fully appreciate deep concerns about the impact of this particular proposal on the local environment given the greenbelt status.

"It is a difficult balance.

"The plan is to provide 200 parking spaces for HGVs so that fewer trucks park in lay-bys around Kent.

"I will be closely following the proposals, but we are still a long way from permission being granted. I spoke with residents in Wrotham who are opposed to the plan."

The company says KCC has already identified there is a specific need for additional HGV parking in Kent and argues this site is "uniquely placed to address that need".

Moto said the visual impact on the greenbelt would be limited by additional planting and landscaping as well as the retention of existing hedgerows and trees where possible.

It argues that without extra provision, HGV drivers, finding the county's existing lorry parks full, will continue to 'fly-park' – leading to damaged roads, kerbs and verges, environmental health issues as drivers leave behind their litter and human waste, and noise pollution, all of which are aggravated when close to residential areas.

Borough councillor Mike Taylor, who represents Borough Green, said: "Of course I am adamantly opposed to use of greenbelt land for any development, and there are more strategic positions for such a development, where the services can connect direct to the motorway system without using local roads as this proposal does.

"I'm talking about sites that are not greenbelt and not impacting on the setting of the North Down's AONB.

"But the simple fact is that everyone of us depends on a lorry for every single item we buy, and the recent spate of closure of laybys, and the Kent Lorry Parking Ban, has placed increasing pressure on the lifeblood of our economy.

"Trucks have to use our roads to reach us, and they have to park somewhere when their legally restricted driving hours end, unless the Government wants to relax the Draconian driving hours restrictions and always allow a lorry to reach its final destination, and also require warehouses and depots to allow vehicles to park when required."

Moto argues its proposals will provide secure parking at a managed site with adequate driver facilities, away from residential areas and close to the strategic road network.

The Unite union, which represents many lorry drivers, said that lorry parks and services in the county had become “chronically overcrowded” with drivers being forced to park overnight on double yellow lines, slip roads and petrol garage forecourts.

Moto Hospitality said its proposed £18million investment would bring additional permanent jobs to the area and support many more in the local supply chain and during the construction phase.

Stuart Rose, Moto’s acquisitions manager, said: "These proposals will provide a much needed rest stop for HGVs on what is a busy stretch of motorway and help to alleviate the issues experienced by local residents as a result of the current lack of facilities.

"In addition to providing an important piece of infrastructure to an area where the county council has already identified a need, the plans will bring new jobs and secure £18million of investment in the local economy.

"We are delighted to consult with residents in the surrounding area and look forward to hearing their thoughts on the plans.”

The company is asking the public for their views before submitting a formal planning application to Tonbridge and Malling Council.

To comment, visit the link here.

Read more: All the latest news from Kent