The chairman of a housing developer has said a plan for a multi-billion pound theme park is a "once-in-a-lifetime chance" for the area.

Ebbsfleet Development Corporation, which is building the Ebbsfleet Garden City, congratulated the backers of the £2.5 billion London Resort theme park after its application was accepted by the Planning Inspectorate for examination.

The proposed resort lies within the area of the garden city and will be made up of two theme parks covering an area of 465 hectares on the Swanscombe peninsula.

The plans have been developed by London Resort Company Holdings (LRCH).

It was announced last Friday that the Planning Inspectorate (PINS) will carry out a detailed examination of the proposal before the government has the final say on the application.

The plans were initially submitted for review on New Year's Eve.

Chairman of Ebbsfleet Development Corporation, Simon Dudley, said he congratulated LRCH chief executive PY Gerbeau for the progress made in a video call.

He said: "This is an excellent opportunity to work together as the London Resort lies within the garden city and it is important that we seek to optimise the benefits that it can bring to the area.

"This is an opportunity for billions of pounds to be invested into the area creating a significant number of jobs.

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime chance to ensure the area benefits from a world-class entertainment resort."

PY Gerbeau said previously that the park would be "a beacon of world-class entertainment and experiences within a world-leading sustainable environment".

If granted permission, work is expected to start in 2022, with a view to the London Resort opening in 2024.

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