Plans for hydrogen production plant submitted

Plans for a major new hydrogen production plant in Kent have been submitted for approval.

The proposed facility, in Manston, would produce hydrogen fuel, which is seen as part of Britain's transition towards low-carbon energy.

Developers said the project would bring significant investment to East Kent and help regenerate an area that has faced economic challenges for many years.

Manston parish councillor Guy Wilson said the idea was "a dirty plan", adding the local authority also objected to the scheme.

Speaking publicly for the first time to the BBC, the company's chief executive, Andrew Nichol, said: "I wanted to put this site in Thanet to increase local jobs and improve the local economy."

Nichol, who grew up in the area, said he had witnessed the economic struggles faced by local communities and hoped the project would play a positive role in the future of the district.

When asked why he believed the proposal was the right one for the area, he pointed to the growing need for domestic energy production and cleaner sources of power.

"We need clean energy and to have better security of our energy production and I hope this proposal could play its part," Nichol added.

Support for the project has also come from Kent County Council.

David Wimble, cabinet member for economic development and special projects, said the development could place Kent at the forefront of the emerging hydrogen sector.

"We are desperate for clean energy and this will put Kent on the map as a world leader," he says.

"It would deliver great quality employment and help regenerate part of our coastal communities that desperately need it."

However, not all support the plans.

Guy Wilson whose family has farmed land around the proposed site said the scheme was "a great dirty and smelly power plant".

"It's very much not wanted here, it's the wrong location and the wrong design," he added.

Developers also hoped the scheme could help establish the region as a centre for green industry and innovation.

The proposal will be considered by planning officials before being decided brought before councillors for a final decision.

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