BBC coverage of protest march
Campaigners fear the effect thousands of new homes and a link to the M2 motorway will have on Sittingbourne. The company behind the scheme has said piece-meal development will not work, and issues like infrastructure and housing need to be tackled.
Monique Bonney, from the Five Parishes Opposition Group, said the plan did not suit the countryside and the community.
3,000-name petition
"It's fantastic Kentish countryside with oast houses, cherry orchards, apple orchards, ancient woodland - it is the picture of England," she said.
"We've been dumped with a proposal from a commercial developer effectively... it certainly won't help Sittingbourne's economic regeneration."
Managers of the Kent Science Park have promised thousands of new jobs, homes and businesses.
Eighty-five businesses employing about 1,000 people currently occupy the existing site.
Downing Street
Its owner, LaSalle, wants to develop the 900 acres of farmland surrounding it, and has said there has been an extensive consultation programme.
On Saturday, 200 people marched down the High Street in Sittingbourne, and handed in a 3,000-name petition against the expansion to the leader of Swale Borough Council.
They were joined by the Labour MP for Sittingbourne and Sheppey, Derek Wyatt, who has said he is worried by the scale of the proposals.
Next Thursday, campaigners will take their protest to Downing Street, and will meet transport minister Dr Stephen Ladyman and housing minister Yvette Cooper.
Article taken from BBC website.
back