One of the biggest employment projects ever planned for Thanet may never come to fruition, according to one of Kent’s MEPs.

Dr Caroline Lucas, leader of the Green Party, claims the so-called China Gateway is neither viable nor sensible.

Phase one of the giant business park, planned for land near Kent International Airport, is set to create up to 1,300 jobs, with that figure expected to double if additional phases are granted planning permission.

However, Dr Lucas believes that the project may never see the light of day.

She said: “In an era marked by increasing economic uncertainty, growing awareness of the importance of national food security and an unprecedented global climate crisis, I don’t believe that the China Gateway scheme is either a viable or sensible proposal.

“Councillors voted to give the go ahead to phase one of the development, despite never having seen a business plan or any other evidence to back up claims about how many jobs might be created.”

Phase one of China Gateway was approved in October last year, although applicants Commercial Group Properties (CGP) must meet a number of tough conditions before building work can begin.

Statutory bodies such as the Environment Agency and Southern Water Services will be consulted and must be satisfied that any envrionmental risk is minimised.

CGP must also sign a section 106 agreement, detailing a travel plan, pedestrian and cycle links and training proposals.