Plans for a new petrol station and employment hub next to a rugby club are being “wholeheartedly” supported by business owners.

Marshlands Letting Ltd wants to build a convenience store, 37 business units, and an office block as well as the fueling station on Sheppey.

The site, which spans approximately 5.9 hectares on land to the south of Lower Road next to Thistle Hill Roundabout in Minster, is described as being “suitable for local and family-run businesses”.

In its application, the company explains that access to the site will be through a new Southern arm of the roundabout.

A spokesman for Marshlands Letting Ltd said: “There will be a strategically placed petrol filling station with a convenience store near the entrance which ensures convenient daily access.

“Internal traffic circulation is organised by a secondary roundabout. The development is deemed sustainable, offering valuable local employment opportunities and contributing positively to the eastern part of the Island.”

The plans are proposed between Sheppey Rugby Club and Marshlands Farm Industrial Estate – which has its current entrance situated 40 meters to the east of the roundabout.

This is proposed to be closed off and all access to the Marshlands Farm estate will be directed through the new arm of the roundabout.

The applicant added: “Several pre-application meetings have been undertaken with KCC Highways who have concluded that they are happy with the principles of the highway design.

“The submitted proposals are for a commercial hub, which will promote local business and improve infrastructure network, as well as adding community facilities to the immediate area.”

A public consultation about the plans was held on July 19. More than 30 people attended, with 21 responses.

Of those, 11 were positive and supported the plans, while two liked the plans but had concerns.

The company added: “The main response was that the development would be perfect for a local community space.

“As part of this, the Apex Boxing Academy gym was regularly mentioned as a potential use that has outgrown its current space and it would allow the gym to grow and provide better coaching and training for existing and future trainees.”

However, eight objected to the plans with some saying Lower Road needs improvement and a petrol station isn’t needed.

But, the applicant believes the site is in a “strategically advantageous position” which would give residents easy access to a multitude of amenities in Minster within walking distance and bus links.

Don Jenkins, from Eastchurch, thinks plans would “pave the way for a more prosperous and vibrant future” for the area.

He said: “I express my wholehearted support for the proposed development.

“As a resident and business owner on the Isle of Sheppey, I believe that the establishment of these industrial units would be a tremendous asset to our community.

“One of the primary reasons for my support is the pressing need for high-quality industrial units in our locality.

“The existing lack of such facilities has created challenges for businesses seeking suitable spaces for their operations.

“The proposed development, with its focus on providing modern and well-equipped industrial units, addresses this crucial gap in our community's infrastructure.

“Furthermore, I am confident that the successful realisation of this project will significantly contribute to the economic growth of our area.

“By attracting businesses and entrepreneurs to set up shop in these units, we can anticipate a positive ripple effect on job creation.”

Daren Harrison, from Minster, felt the same, saying: “As a local business that's been established for 10 years, I'm looking to move to bigger premises, but there is little choice on the Island.

“This is a great opportunity for myself and the Island, especially for those in Minster, Eastchurch, Leysdown and Warden.

“There are very few options on this side of the Island.”

Nathan Wood, from Eastchurch, agreed and added: “As an Islander, we are in desperate need of business opportunities and local growth.

“The Isle of Sheppey is a fantastic place to live, so why do we need to commute away to earn a living and take business opportunities away from Sheppey?

“As managing director of a business located in Sittingbourne, I'm fully aware of the majority of my team traveling from the Island, commuting into Sittingbourne.

“There are currently very limited business development opportunities on Sheppey and local amenities would be better supported with increased revenue from additional businesses.”

For more information on the plans enter 23/505290/OUT into the Swale planning portal.