New development will create 'hundreds of jobs'

The site will include one large, eight medium and five small factory units on land west of Hackhurst Lane Industrial Estate, Lower Dicker.

Chartered surveyor Rosemary Ross spoke to the Express on behalf of developer Swallow Business Park Ltd.

She said one company had already made an offer for the largest factory unit when it is built.

Mrs Ross said: 'It is very very good news for the area and will create hundreds of jobs.

'More businesses want to come into the site than we have space for.'

Mrs Ross did not think the new development would cause residents any problems.

She pointed out a new traffic access road to the A22 would ease traffic flow for both businesses and residents in the area.

She said: 'The Boship Roundabout is well able to cope with the extra traffic.

'The residents have had the opportunity to have any say and all their wishes have been granted.

'I do not think there is anything they will worry about.'

Gill Hesselgrave, Hellingly Parish Council vice-chairman, said: 'I think we are happy about it because it should make more employment opportunities which can only be good.

'The new access route into the A22 will be an improvement as the current access in Hackhurst Lane is an absolute nightmare.

'The development will give better access for existing factories and be good for employment.'

Six of 234 parking spaces at the site are to be set aside for disabled car drivers.

Cyclists will also use more than 60 cycle spaces.

Existing trees at the site are to be removed to allow access and new trees will be planted.