Work has begun on a development which will bring drive-thru McDonald's and Costa Coffee to a town.

The project will see jobs created in Snodland when the food and drink outlets open alongside four new warehouses on a site at Vantage Point North, off Holborough Road.

Developers behind the 120,000 sq ft scheme estimate it will be completed and ready for tenants to move in early next year.

One of the warehouse units has already been leased to a firm relocating from Rochester and planning to increase its workforce from from 19 to 31 at the new site.

Online retailer Must Have Ideas was set up in 2018 and is already looking to grow at its new base in Snodland.

Director Chris Finch said: "There's very little suitable stock available in the area at the size that our growing business needs, which is why we were so pleased to secure a prime unit on this exciting new development."

The plans for the new industrial units and fast-food stores were given the go-ahead by Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council's planning committee in October.

It is thought the development could eventually create more than 300 jobs, including 56 at the drive-thrus.

There was local opposition to the plans, with more than 20 objections lodged with the local authority in advance of the planning decision.

Concerns primarily revolved around high levels of traffic and pollution, with some demanding construction of an underpass or footbridge to give safe access to those living in Holborough Lakes.

Speaking following the approval of the scheme, planning committee chairman Cllr Dave Davis said: "The McDonald's and Costa Coffee drive-thrus were considered as appropriate as they were off the A228."

A separate application to convert the Oast House in Hollow Lane into a branch of KFC was rejected earlier this month after more than 300 objections were received.

Read more: All the latest news from Malling