If plans go ahead it could mean a cross-country service running from Canterbury West to Gatwick Airport via Ashford and Tonbridge.

The draft plans are part of a 10-year transport aim to put pressure on the government and train operators to transform the region’s rail system by 2030.

Stephen Gasche, KCC’s rail project manager, wants to see an extension to the Great Western Railway line, which runs from Reading to Gatwick via Redhill.

During an environment and transport committee meeting on Tuesday, he said it would be “an extraordinary benefit for the whole of south east England” and would “knit the counties together”.

Kent County Council previously lobbied the government for a similar train service but were met with strong resistance from the Department for Transport due to a business case that “did not stand up”.

A public consultation runs until 17 November.

If you have news for Sussex and Surrey, contact us on news@susyradio.com