A presentation on the Betteshanger Sustainable Park project was given to Deal Town Council in a bid to gain its support.

Executive director Mark Lumsdon Taylor delivered the presentation to the committee and members of the public.

He aimed to show that the development would be more than just a country park, with the potential to regenerate the area.

The Hadlow Group, which was ranked outstanding by Ofsted, has already gained £10 million in public grant to help fund the £40 million project, which will make better use of the largest brownfield site in the country, close to Europe and London.

He said: “We started in 2009 with an original concept, to put east Kent further on the map.”

Hadlow could have created just another country park but it wanted to do something more innovative – create a national brand for the area with green technology at its core.

There will be two sides to the scheme, a sustainable energy and mining heritage park and a sustainable business and commerce park.

“A private investment has been secured for this. We’re just waiting for the planning to press the button...” - Mark Lumsdon-Taylor, Betteshanger Sustainable Park

Funding is already in place for the first phase of the project which will include space for conferences, a green gym, eco-lodges, plus a museum supporting the legacy and heritage of east Kent miners, giving it a profile and informing future generations and tourists.

Mr Lumsdon Taylor said: “I don’t want them [tourists] getting off ferries and going to London. I want them spending their money in Betteshanger.”

The other side will be a hub for micro businesses aligned to Discovery Park.

He said: “A private investment has been secured for this. We’re just waiting for the planning to press the button.”

The plan is for construction to commence on site in spring this year and be ready to open in spring 2016.

The project has gained support at a national level with the Coastal Communities Fund offering it the largest grant in the UK of £2.5 million.

Mr Lumsdon Taylor said: “It will provide economic and social regeneration and a hub for green technologies.

“If we don’t do that, it just becomes another country park.

“You will see in a year’s time how committed I am to making this work.

“I always believe there is a way. It is only impossible, until it is not.”

Altogether, 1,100 jobs will be created. Mr Lumsdon Taylor reassured the council he would adopt local companies and locally sourced materials as far as possible right from the construction phase aswell as reach out to form links with Castle Community College.

He said: “We ask you to support and promote us in your locality. I think as a council you’ve got a big part to play in this.”

Councillors did not give an answer.

The same presentation was given to Mongeham Parish council on Thursday.

Mr Lumsdon Taylor has urged people to use their website to keep up to date with progress and job opportunities. Visit www.betteshangerparks.co.uk.