The government is to extend the capacity of the former Manston airport as an emergency lorry park to accommodate up to 6,000 HGVs.

The move would see the site hold 2,000 more lorries than currently earmarked.

The move comes after the Department for Transport carried out a widely-criticised trial of how the site could cope under a plan to divert lorries there away from Dover should there be delays and disruption caused by Brexit.

The news comes a day after it was revealed that a further £4.9m had been allocated to improve access to the airport site and more temporary hardstanding.

The use of Manston has already proved controversial with both Thanet MPs Craig Mackinlay and Sir Roger Gale opposing the use of the site.

Manston would, under the existing Operation Brock, come into play once capacity on the M20 is exhausted.

In a statement explaining the decision, the DfT said it had reached an agreement with the airport’s owner to increase the land available.

The expansion would also allow the use of buildings to provide services and welfare for drivers.

A spokesman said: “We are working hard to deliver a deal with the EU.

"However, as a sensible government we continue to make plans for all eventualities, and will ensure Operation Brock is fully functional if needed.

"Using Manston will ensure any disruption to Kent due to cross-Channel issues is kept to a minimum.

"Extra space will be created by using temporary hardstanding in the areas around the runway. The grass and topsoil are being removed and stored, ready to be reinstated once the airport is no longer needed for Operation Brock."

The government has already paid current owners Stone Hill Park £5.7m to keep it on standby should there be delays on the M20 caused by congestion at the channel ports.