The majority of people are opposed to the Kent International Gateway plans, according to the findings of an independent market research firm.

It found that 86 per cent of Maidstone residents believed that Bearsted was the wrong site for the proposed road-rail freight interchange.

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Local Opinion, a West Malling-based market research firm, surveyed a representative 293 people in the county town. Their findings suggested that 79 per cent of people felt KIG would ruin Bearsted’s environment, and 76 per cent believed the depot would result in unacceptable levels of 24-hour light and noise pollution.

Significantly, Maidstone residents did not have a lot of trust in the developers, with 70 per cent of residents saying that the information available about the AXA Group’s proposals was inadequate.

Local Opinion research executive Julie Thompson said: "This shows the strength of feeling there is about KIG in Maidstone. Those involved in the proposed development cannot afford to ignore the opinions of local residents."

The company runs surveys every two to three months, which can be completed online, by phone or by post. For details visit www.localopinion.co.uk or call 01732 874054.