TERRORISTS could put the Kent International Gateway high on their target agenda, according to Kent Police.

They are also concerned the proposed 250-acre road/rail freight interchange has the potential to become a mini Sangatte.

The scale of police concerns has emerged as the date to discuss objections to KIG’s plans for the depot at Bearsted looms.

Police object to the application, raising concerns about the depot’s security in dealing with a potential terrorist attack and illegal immigrants.

In a document sent to Maidstone council, the force’s architectural liaison officer, Jerry Duncan, said: “The site itself has a good level of security but I suggest the future of this site would be high on any terrorist’s agenda.

“There is likely to be a high level of incoming freight traffic from the Port of Dover yet there appears to be no way of differentiating between that traffic and freight seeking to leave the UK.

“The site is simply too permeable in its current design. There is mention [in plans seen by police] of thermal imaging CCTV cameras to detect persons entering the country illegally, yet no strategy as to what to do with any persons detected.

“Why are there no plans for a holding area?”

In considering access points to the depot, Mr Duncan recommends: “the control point be reassessed and redesigned to cater for a large number of vehicles so they can be security checked and guided to either on-site or a sterile compound, whether that be an illegal immigrant sterile zone, or a bomb blast bay for a vehicle improvised device.”

The decision on whether the application goes ahead now rests with Hazel Blears, Secretary of State for communities and local government.

Richard Horton, chairman of the Stop KIG group, added: “It doesn’t get much more serious than these concerns.

“They must be addressed and it is totally inappropriate to expose the people of Maidstone and Bearsted to these sorts of risks.

“It could definitely become a mini-Sangatte. If illegal immigrants are found on this site what is going to happen to them. And will the ratepayers of Maidstone end up paying for accommodation?”

A police spokesman added: “We do not take a view on any scheme’s commercial viability or take sides.

“Our response is an objective appraisal of the issues surrounding the proposal from a policing perspective, including its security implications.”

Concerns have also arisen about the transport impacts of the development.

In a written answer to Hugh Robertson (Con) MP for Faversham and Mid-Kent, transport minister Paul Clark said: “The Highways Agency has made the assessment that the operation of the proposed development and the transport impacts may not be as forecast by the developer for the project.”

n Although the decision is out of its hands, Maidstone council is hosting a meeting on Thursday May 7, at 6pm, at the Maidstone Studios in New Cut Road.