A COUNCIL decision to turn down plans that would have created 100 jobs has been branded a major disappointment.

Kent Science Park (KSP) at Sittingbourne wanted to invest millions of pounds in two large new buildings designed for hi-tech businesses.

But Swale council threw out the plans because councillors feared the impact of extra traffic on local roads, especially nearby Ruins Barn Road.

The decision is a blow to a site regarded as a flagship in the county's campaign to boost the knowledge-based economy and create highly skilled jobs.

KSP chiefs, who are thought to be considering an appeal, claimed that its appplication included proposals that went beyond the requirements of Kent Highway Services.

They pledged to improve the 30 mph speed restriction signs, lay red tarmac with a 30 mph speed limit symbol, and encourage staff to join Kent County Council's Car Share Scheme.

Andrew Bull of LaSalle Investment Management, managers of Kent Science Park, said: "We take the safety of local residents, visitors and those people employed at the Park very seriously indeed and our consultants worked with the technical experts at Kent Highway Services to come up with a solution to meet the requests of residents on Ruins Barn Road.

"Obviously Swale Borough Council's decision is a major disappointment as it contradicts the findings of the technical experts and the Council’s own stated policies which support the expansion of Kent Science Park as a location for knowledge-based employment within the borough.

"The decision threatens our ability to attract a further 100 new jobs to Swale, jobs that the borough badly needs. We will now need to reconsider the way forward."