The company behind the Paramount resort plans has appointed former transport minister Steven Norris as its chairman in a bid to solve infrastructure questions.

Many commuters expressed concerns about the impact on local roads at the first stage of the public consultation on the project earmarked for the Swanscombe Peninsula.

Thousands of tourists and staff expected to visit the tourist attraction every day after its planned opening in 2019.

Former Epping Forest MP Mr Norris twice ran for London Mayor, losing both races to Ken Livingstone, and famously said he thought tube travellers were horrible, smelly people.

London Resort Company Holdings director Fenlon Dunphy said the former Conservative minister’s knowledge of solving transport issues could be the key as they prepare to unveil greater details about the project in October.

He said: “He has a huge amount of transport expertise. That is what he did during his government days and he is still heavily involved in it today.

“We identified that this was a key factor for an enterprise of our type.

"To have someone like that as your chairman who has knowledge of infrastructure and how the authorities and government circles work is valuable.”