To some it heralds a bright economic future; to others it’s a “collection of grey buildings with no redeeming features”.

Whatever your opinion, the growth of Maidstone business hub Eclipse Park is set to continue after planners gave approval for three further buildings last week.

The decision means approval has now been given for the rest of the scheme's second phase, on land near the M20's junction with the A249.

But the three buildings - comprising 6,000 sq m of office space - did not receive a resounding welcome from Maidstone council’s planning committee.

Cllr Jennifer Paterson (Lib Dem, North ward) said the plans were “hardly what we were hoping for this gateway to the County Town”, while county councillor Ian Chittenden (Lib Dem) described the buildings as uniformly grey with “no redeeming features”.

With the area already designated as a business site, others felt the buildings were better than previous proposals for the site.

A report to the committee said they were “of good design that maintains standards set by earlier development within the business park. The scheme will add to the range of quality employment floor-space available within the borough, enhancing the council’s economic development aspirations".

Cllr Malcolm Greer (Con, Boxley) agreed, adding: “I believe we’ve got a good quality building.

“As far as I’m concerned, I’m happy in principle with what is before us.”

Cllr Paterson said after the meeting that there were “feelings of disappointment that we haven’t got a 'wow’ factor.

“We could have had something far more exciting and inventive.”

What do you think? Email messengernews@thekmgroup.co.uk or write to Kent Messenger, 6&7 Middle Row, Maidstone, ME14 1TG