Margate's Dreamland site a 'hole'

The Scenic Railway, damaged in an arson attack in 2008, has been granted Grade II*-listed status

The site of a former Margate amusement park has been described as a "hole" by the local council.

Thanet District Council has submitted its formal case to compulsorily purchase the Dreamland site.

It plans to regenerate the area and create an amusement park of historic rides.

The Scenic Railway in the former amusement park, which was damaged by an arson attack in 2008, was given a Grade II* listing in July.

A "Statement of Case" submitted by the council said the Dreamland site is "a 'hole' in the centre of Margate, which has potential to deliver enormous economic, social and environmental benefits to the district".

The council's project for the new park has already been awarded £3.7m from the Sea Change programme and £493,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

A bid of £3m has been submitted to the HLF for further funding.

A public inquiry into the plans to compulsorily purchase the site will start on 10 January 2012.