A major £2bn (US$3.3bn, €2.5bn) theme park development near Ebbsfleet, UK has been cleared for fast-track development following its categorisation as a ‘project of national significance’ by the UK government.

Paramount Pictures theme park is the first leisure development to be considered under the scheme, which has typically been used for developments such as power regeneration projects and transport and infrastructure upgrades.

Dartford and Gravesham borough councils have already voiced support for the project, which could create up to 27,000 jobs.

The landmark resort is earmarked for the area alongside the recently announced £200m Ebbsfleet garden city, which is being built to help ease a housing shortage in this part of the UK.

“The Secretary of State considers this proposal would be likely to have significant economic impact, be important in driving growth in the economy, and that it would also have an impact on an area wider than a single local authority area,” said a statement from the UK government's Department of Communities and Local Government.

“The Secretary of State also considers that the substantial physical size of the proposal is relevant to his decision that this project is of national and substantial significance."

As part of the plans, nine Gravesham district council bosses flew out to the US to research Florida’s theme parks, to help the authority prepare for the new attraction and “understand what works and what doesn’t” when running a global attraction.

Opening in 2018, the Paramount-branded theme park and resort will be built on an 872 acre (1.3sq m, 3.5sq km) site – one of the largest regeneration projects in Europe. When built, it would be among the top four largest theme parks in the world.

Plans include an indoor waterpark, theatres, music venues, attractions, restaurants, and hotel developments.

London Resort Company Holdings – the company behind the development – has also signed an agreement with Paramount Pictures for exclusive UK licensing. It is in negotiations with a range of major British brands to sign further licensing agreements.