The campus at Wye will become a £1bn science research centre

The scientific hub is to be located at Imperial College London's campus in Wye, with the creation of 12,500 jobs.

However, concerns were raised at a meeting of Ashford Borough Council that the economic benefits could be at the expense of the character of Wye.

Council leader Paul Clokie said fears were either misplaced or premature.

Sales of land

He told councillors on Thursday night that nothing which could damage the village would be approved.

It is hoped the facilities at Wye, where there could be as many as 400 scientists, will be used by global industrial firms for research in drugs, engineering and medicine.

The Wye Future Group has voiced concern over the proposed development, which would be in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

It has also urged Imperial College to reconsider methods of funding the project other than by sales of land for development.