DISCUSSIONS are being held with two developers that could have a significant impact for the Leeds-Langley bypass.

Maidstone council is holding talks with developers about new housing and economic development in the area. It is understood that the developers will be asked to make a significant financial contribution to the bypass if their schemes go ahead.

Maidstone council's deputy chief executive and director of development services, Trevor Gasson, said the planning gain could help hasten building work on the bypass. The council is due to meet Kent County Council highways officers in a week's time to discuss the bypass and access to the south of Maidstone. They will be told about the possible planning gain.

Mr Gasson said the planning gain could act as an incentive to get the bypass built. It is possible that a condition could be attached to the planning gain, which would mean the money would be lost unless it was used within two years.

Mr Gasson said he hoped that would act as a spur for the powers that be to start work on the project within that time scale. The areas for housing and economic development are earmarked in the local plan. Mr Gasson would not say exactly where the developments were likely to take place, but they are not in Leeds village.