Plans for a massive wind turbine factory on the Isle of Sheppey have taken a big step forward.

Danish company Vestas wants to develop a site the size of 93 football pitches at Sheerness Docks.

It has been given the go ahead by Swale Borough Council - and now needs government approval.

The Danish company put in the planning application to Swale on January 13 for the plant, which would create 1,600 jobs.

It would produce its V164 7.0MW off-shore wind turbines.

The company has signed an agreement with Peel Ports to take over 70 hectares of land on which to build the factory, which will be to manufacture its off-shore turbines.

Part of the proposal includes the erection of three new buildings for blade production, nacelle (which the rotor and blades are fitted to) assembly, and a new block comprising offices plus a canteen, kitchen, changing room and other facilities.

Meanwhile, Cllr Steve Worrall has raised concerns about employment created by the development if it is given the go ahead.

Estimated job creation has always been around 2,000, most of which would be for local people.

However, in the 90-page planning agenda, Cllr Worrall says the targets set out are different.

It says the number of operational jobs will increase from 740 this year to just over 1,600 by 2020.

It also sets out targets for where the jobs will come from.