CONTROVERSIAL plans to modernise the county showground threaten to split the Kent County Agricultural Society.

Society chairman George Jessel faced a call for his resignation after unveiling three options for developing the show site at Detling.

The three options range from an “all bells and whistles” scheme for a major exhibition centre, equestrian facilities for Hadlow College, and a possible Olympic-standard equestrian arena, costing up to £27m, to a more modest Centre for Rural Excellence (£10m), or simply a building revamp (£6m).

The former Detling Downs project, which envisaged development outside the showground area, has been dropped.

Mr Jessel said that standing still was not an option. The county show lost £300,000 last year, ageing buildings would soon need renewing and new sources of income were needed to ensure the society’s survival.

Vision was needed to make the showground, which is in an Area of Outstanding Beauty, a regional and national flagship attraction.

The new masterplan was a fully-costed “wish list” and aspects of it, especially the Olympic arena, could be trimmed depending on funding and demand. The partnership with Hadlow College would help share the cost.

But the plans have angered opponents who want to see less ambition – because of financial risk, especially in the downturn – and greater focus on agriculture.

One member told Mr Jessel that if he did not produce a business plan in two weeks, he should resign.

Malcolm Chamberlain, a former society vice-chairman has threatened to stand against Mr Jessel. If he goes ahead, it would lead to the first-ever contested election for chairman in the society’s 85-year history.