CANTERBURY desperately needs a big business park to retain and attract high quality companies, say the consultant promoting the redevelopment of Highland Court, near Bridge. Michael Parkes says the city cannot continue to rely on low income tourist and retail jobs while other employers have to travel elsewhere to find higher quality work.

He said: "The Local Plan does recognise the need for a major employment centre but the problem is that the existing brownfield sites are too small and few and far between. Canterbury is surrounded by green fields and it is inevitable that some of that land will be needed. It can't be good for the city that people have to get on a train and go elsewhere to find higher quality jobs."

Mr Parkes, who had been meeting with parish councils near the site to promote the plans, says the multi-million pound scheme would create up to 2,000 new jobs. He said: "I have no doubt that a balance has to be struck and the feedback I have been getting is that people are in favour of a new business park that would provide better jobs.

"Highland Court has the advantage of a wonderful access from the A2 and is close to Europe. Some of the opinions we are taking into account is the need to maintain the views of Highham Court and for new signage to the site.

"But I hope we will be able to persuade the city council to support the project and promote its inclusion in the Local Plan which already recognises the need that Canterbury has for a business centre."