Plans to build the county’s first Costco warehouse and petrol forecourt near Aylesford have been formally submitted to Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, advancing a proposal that would bring a large-scale bulk retailer to Kent for the first time.
What the proposal includes
The application covers a site to the south of the Aylesford interchange, at Junction 5 of the M20. The key elements set out in the submission include:
- 752 car parking spaces
- A petrol station
- Tyre sales and installation facilities for members
Costco has indicated an intention for the site to open in 2028. The company says the development would create around 250 jobs within three years, with a typical first phase of approximately 180 roles and a reported 53% share of those posts being full time.
Local reaction and transport concerns
Residents have welcomed the prospect of new employment and added competition for local supermarkets and fuel outlets, but many have voiced worries about the impact of such a large store on nearby roads.
"The traffic implications of the bypass to the 20/20 roundabout is currently unknown. The area has just undergone a huge reconfiguration to remove traffic lights from cold harbour roundabout. To reintroduce traffic lights at the Costco junction is a huge risk."
Other nearby residents have expressed concern that the development will exacerbate existing congestion on roads such as Hermitage Lane, describing local carriageways as already struggling to absorb recent housing and other developments.
Balancing jobs and highways
The application highlights potential employment benefits and consumer choice brought by a major retailer. At the same time, transport and highway impacts are a central issue for the planning authority and local people. Comments submitted on the planning record show a mix of support and opposition, with some residents emphasising longer-term employment opportunities and others pointing to immediate junction capacity problems.
Quick reference
| Item | Applicant figure |
|---|---|
| Planned parking spaces | 752 |
| Jobs within three years | 250 (approx.) |
| Initial jobs | 180 (approx.) |
| Full‑time roles share | 53% |
| Target opening year | 2028 |
The planning application will be considered by Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council as part of the normal development management process. Transport assessments and local highway responses submitted to the council will be important in determining whether the scheme can proceed as proposed, or whether design changes and mitigation measures will be required to address congestion concerns.
Further public consultation and statutory responses from highways authorities and other consultees are expected to inform the council’s decision. Local residents and businesses can view the full application documents and submit comments through the borough council’s planning portal.
