SUPPORTERS of an historic folly have had their say on its future.

A public inquiry into the compulsory purchase of Hadlow Tower by Tonbridge and Malling council opened this week.

The two-day inquiry is the latest in a string of attempts to preserve the tower which can be seen for several miles around and is a well-known Kent landmark.

In September last year, the council gave the go-ahead to the Vivat Trust, a buildings preservation charity, to convert the dilapidated 19th century folly into holiday accommodation and a viewing tower.

It will also include exhibition space for displays on its history, restoration work, and the story of Hadlow on the ground floor. The cost is estimated at more than £4million.

Michael Kiesser, the owner of Hadlow Tower, a grade I listed tower in the Hadlow Castle complex, appealed against the councils’ bid and lost.

A month later, a compulsory purchase order inquiry was called by the Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport. That opened at Hadlow Manor Hotel, Hadlow, on Tuesday.

If the order is confirmed, the council will have three years to pursue ownership and give the Vivat Trust time to raise the money it needs to pay for the restoration of the tower, which dates from 1838.

The inspector leading the inquiry will now prepare a report which will be sent to the council before a decision is made by Secretary of State.