Protesters debate 'China Gateway'

Campaigners plan to lobby councillors before they make their decision

Campaigners against an industrial development in the Kent countryside have staged a protest meeting two days before plans go before a council.

Plans to turn 175 acres in Thanet into a warehouse and distribution centre for Chinese electronics will be decided by Thanet District Council on Thursday.

Opponents say the Manston business park project, known as the "China Gateway", will affect farmland and water supply.

Supporters said the scheme could bring hundreds of jobs to the area.

A public meeting was being held on Tuesday at Minster Village Hall.

'Make a stand'

A spokeswoman for the campaign said: "We have received many messages of support from across Thanet.

"People are extremely angry regarding the lack of awareness/consultation concerning such a major issue, and are determined to make a stand.

"We've lost enough of our green spaces, we can't afford to lose anymore."

The Kent branch of the Campaign to Preserve Rural England has also expressed concern over the development.

Thanet District Council said it was aware of the issues that had been raised.

The authority will decide on the plan on 9 October.