Plans to build an industrial park have been slammed by an airfield owner, who faces losing his business if they are approved.

Chris Draper, who owns Medway Microlights, says if proposals go ahead it will destroy his business in Stoke.

A planning application has been submitted to Medway Council to build a business park development for offices, industrial use, storage and distribution warehouses.

Mr Draper said: “If the industrial park is built it will shut the airfield down, meaning the end of my business.

“You need a safe path in and out of a runway. The council has already approved plans for a wind farm at one end of my runway and now I’m being faced with the possibility of having an industrial park at the other end. To put tall buildings at the end of a runway is madness.

“If I was to suggest putting a runway between an industrial park and a wind farm, there's no way I’d be allowed.”

Mr Draper has operated Medway Microlights for 30 years. As well as manufacturing the aircraft on site, the airfield also carries out testing and operates a flying school.

Mr Draper said: “If we cannot test the aircraft it will mean the end of manufacture here too. The flying school will not be able to operate and resident flyers will be put off so will go elsewhere. It will mean a prosperous airfield will be destroyed.”

Mr Draper has written a letter of objection to Medway Council and is being backed by the British Microlight Aircraft Association.

The proposals for the industrial park are due to be considered by a council planning committee at the end of May.