A major Kent building firm looks set to up sticks and move part of its operations a few miles across the county.

Bosses at Brett Concrete, which was founded in 1909, have submitted plans to Canterbury City Council for a new batching plant in Bridge.

The proposals could mark the end of an 11-year search for an alternative site, having operated in Chartham since 1981.

A spokesman for the company told KentOnline: “We have applied for planning permission to locate a brand-new concrete batching plant at Highland Court Farm in Bridge.

"This will replace our existing operation at Milton Manor Farm.”

Brett says the existing site has become outdated, and that a failure to secure planning permission to keep the business in Canterbury would leave the city facing a concrete shortage.

In 2017, the authority advised the company that any extension to its stay in Chartham would be snubbed.

The firm, which employs seven people at its current concrete batching site, believes a move to the business-friendly location in Bridge will be beneficial for it and customers.

Officials argued: “The current concrete batching plant at Milton Manor is ageing and is reaching the end of its operational lifespan.

“To ensure there is not a supply shortage of concrete in the district, a new plant is needed immediately.

“The proposed plant would be located in an area earmarked for business purposes with easy access to the A2.

"Our project will ensure the continuity of supply to the local area for building projects.”

The cost of the works was undisclosed, but bosses are calling it a "significant" investment.

They hope to secure the green light for the project early in the new year, and plans to start building soon afterwards.