by political editor Paul Francis

Kent's future as a 21st century county leading the way in regeneration and the region's economy has been set out in a report published today.

The report, commissoned by Kent County Council and put together by one of the world’s leading architects Sir Terry Farrell, sets out ambitious plans that council chiefs believe are needed over the next three decades to unlock the county’s economic potential.

Many of the aspirations are centred on the benefits stemming from the high speed rail line.

~ Read the report for yourself here >>>

The masterplan details an ambitious vision of Kent as the key element of what it labels the UK’s only "super region." Describing the county as the UK’s "front door" it says that Kent has huge potential to build on.

Sir Terry said it was important to have a document setting out what would be necessary to draw together key ambitions for Kent.

He said: "Forged over time, we need to work together to make the most of Kent’s assets – its many very special places and its wonderful landscapes – to ensure that future investment and growth is of the highest possible quality with maximum benefit to the people and communities of Kent."

The High Speed rail link is crucial to development in Kent

Cllr Paul Carter, the Conservative leader of KCC, said: "In a different era, the Victorians conceived what was needed to make Britain the most successful country in the world.

"For example, in the planning of London they had the vision to build the Underground in advance of constructing most of central London as we know it today. Birmingham under Joseph Chamberlain provides another example of such forward thinking and civic leadership.

"Visionary forward planning is exactly what Kent needs to do now. What the Victorians started in the 19th Century, we need to do again now in Kent."

The report sets out that it believes Kent can build on developments planned for Ebbsfleet around the second international station, describing how it could become a business and innovation super-hub.

It says High Speed One "reinforces Ashford’s status as a powerhouse of Kent" and details how it could become a "21st century garden city."