Thanet residents will find out this evening whether a vast area of countryside will be lost to the controversial China Gateway business park.

Councillors are due to vote on plans to build phase one of the three-part development, covering an area of land near Manston equivalent in size to more than 30 football pitches.

Some protesters claim the business park could pose a threat to the island’s drinking water, while others fear local roads will be unable to cope with the anticipated 7,800 extra daily trips.

The council would require the applicants, Commercial Group Properties (CGP), to meet a series of stringent conditions if it approves the project.

Local filmmaker Christine Tongue, an outspoken critic of China Gateway, says she is “seriously afraid of what people might do” if the authority grants the giant project planning permission.

She added: “People feel that they haven’t been consulted and that the scheme has been rushed through.

“But it’s absolutely imperative that we keep this under control and show restraint. This is absolutely a peaceful protest.”

Phase one of China Gateway will comprise 20 warehouses, a centerpiece 'Gateway’ showroom, a staff restuarant and amenity buildings, covering more than 137,000 sq metres of floorspace.

CGP claims that 1,300 jobs would be created, with more than 200 people employed in assembly and manufacturing roles.