Margate's Dreamland public inquiry under way

The future of Margate's closed seafront amusement park being debated at a public inquiry.

Thanet District Council wants to compulsory purchase the Dreamland site from landowners the Margate Town Centre Regeneration Company (MTCRC).

The authority wants to create an amusement park of historical rides and says it has failed to reach an "amicable solution" with the owners.

MTCRC objects to the forced sale and has offered an alternative plan.

The owners, whose plan includes more than 400 homes, believe the council's plan is not affordable.

'Unique attraction'

The public inquiry is set to last up to two weeks, starting on Tuesday, and is taking place at the Council Chamber in Cecil Street, Margate.

The planning inspector will decide whether the council's attempt to issue a compulsory purchase order is legitimate.

The inspector will then submit a recommendation to the secretary of state, who is due to make a final decision in June.

Nick Laister, chair of the council's partner organisation, the Dreamland Trust, said: "Our proposals will keep the entire site in amusement park use.

"We believe that our joint proposals for the site are deliverable, viable and will create a unique visitor attraction."