Gravesham council’s controversial trip to Florida theme parks takes off tomorrow.

Leader John Burden will be joined by planning boss Cllr Jane Cribbon and communities chief Cllr Andrea Webb on the trip.

Alongside them will be leader of the Tory opposition Cllr John Cubitt and Cllr Robin Theobald, the shadow planning boss.

The trip, costing £15,500, will initially be paid for by the taxpayer and the cash will then be recouped if and when the planning application for the £2 billion scheme is submitted.

Council leader John Burden said the trip will include detailed discussions on a range of behind-the-scenes issues in the development and running of a major global attraction similar in scale to the Swanscombe Peninsula plans.

The group are due back in the UK on Wednesday, April 23.

Cllr Burden said: “It is entirely right that the council examines all these issues fully and we are grateful to London Resort Company Holdings for facilitating these meetings.

“This is the biggest development project in Europe and has global significance.

"The impact it will have is life-changing for everyone in the area and possibly far beyond.”