A huge business park expansion that would create 4,150 jobs may have been shelved before it has even started.

In July, Kent Science Park (KSP) announced a 20-year masterplan to develop the site, which is home to more than 60 companies.

The proposals included new employment space, between 300 and 400 flats built north of Broad-oak Road for park workers, and new facilities and pitches for Sittingbourne Football Club.

But it's been announced the park’s owner, Mars Pension Fund, which is advised by LaSalle Investment Management, has put the site and four others up for sale for £95 million.

The five-strong science park portfolio is being advertised as offering a yield of 14.8% on the investment.

Swale councillor Monique Bonney accused LaSalle of attempting to increase the value of the park by gaining outline planning permission for houses on its grounds.

The West Downs ward member said its expansion proposal was “never a masterplan in the first place” and was drawn-up to win approval for homes without a viable blueprint for expansion in jobs and recreational areas.

She added: “It’s not clear what will happen in the future. It depends on who the new owners are; how much capital they want to invest; what their long-term plan is.

“I’d like to see no more fanciful schemes, pie in the sky things that have not resulted in a significant improvement in the estate.

“I want the new owner to best use the site within the security fence it currently has.”

KSP site director James Speck said: “The landlord is obviously testing the market. Usually landlords do these things every now and again.

“Whether it is sold or not is a moot point. My job is to keep the science park functioning.”

LaSalle was contacted for a comment, but did not reply before the News Extra went to print.