The firm behind a scheme to build a wind turbine manufacturing plant at Sheerness Docks has announced plans to hold a community consultation.

Danish company Vestas revealed in May it had signed an agreement with Peel Ports to take over 70 hectares of land for the plant, which would be to build its V164 7.0MW off-shore wind turbines and could create 2,000 jobs.

Dates have now been announced for a series of consultations to discuss proposals for work, which will need to be carried out to make the site suitable.

A number of existing buildings and warehouses will have to be demolished or moved and there is one listed heritage building which "does not fit" with the plans which they will be speaking to English Heritage about.

However, bosses stressed they are keen to keep their existing customers in the docks and it is a case of utilising the available space to its maximum potential.

It is hoped a planning application will be submitted around Christmas this year.

The consultation was launched on Tuesday and managing director of Peel Ports Paul Kavanagh and Vestas chief project manager Lars Erikson talked about the plans and why they feel people's views are important.

Since May, Vestas has said the project relies on government support, an order pipeline for the turbines and local support from planners.

Although Mr Erikson says the government's White Paper supporting renewable energy is "extremely important" in moving the project forward, they are still in constant talks with customers about placing orders.

He said: "A lot has happened and we take this as a very positive sign that these three things will be satisfied.

"The consultation is important to make sure we listen to the local community and we take in any points and concerns they might have about any aspect of the project."

Mr Kavanagh added: "We are still trying to keep as much business as we can.

"There will be buildings knocked down but we are looking at how they can be moved elsewhere - some of the warehouses are only 10% full."