A fire that took over a day to extinguish at Beers Yard in Sandwich has raised concerns over fly-tipping and planning issues.

The blaze started on Friday at 3.51pm and firefighters from Eastry and Sandwich returned multiple times over Friday night and Saturday before they finally managed to extinguish it at 5.25pm.

Kent Fire and Rescue said it believed the fire was started maliciously.

The owner of the land at Harps Meadow, near Woodnesborough Road, is Alan Smith, who runs Sandwich Leisure Holiday Park.

He said: “The problem we’ve got is we cannot stop people fly-tipping. There’s been asbestos and tyres dumped there, and teenagers get in and set it alight. It goes on and on.”

The former transport yard has been empty for several years, and in November last year fly-tipping was discussed at Sandwich Town Council.

Cllr Mark Moorhouse called the site “another eyesore” and Cllr John Scollard added that the gates had been smashed down and he thought illegal dumpers were responsible.

Mr Smith explained various attempts have been made to clear up the land and rid it of asbestos and other rubbish.

He also explained that with the help of £300,000 from Kent County Council, the park hopes to build 18 to 20 wooden holiday lodges on the land.

The money has come from the East Kent Expansion Regional Growth Fund.

Despite this, he claims Dover District Council (DCC) has not been very supportive. He said DDC took five months to assess a pre-planning report which was then rejected because the council says it is a greenfield site.

Mr Smith added that the plans would benefit Sandwich by freeing up homes for residents rather than holidaymakers, and would make the site much more appealing.

Cllr Moorhouse, chairman of Sandwich and District Chamber of Commerce, explained he had a meeting with Mr Smith about his proposals and the chamber wants to offer its full support.

He added: “The plans for Harps Meadow will provide a much-needed additional high quality and attractive tourist accommodation development which will be of economic benefit to Sandwich town centre.

“It is important that all parties with an interest in the future of Harps Meadow work together to improve the site.”

The Mayor of Sandwich, Cllr Paul Graeme has praised firefighters’ efforts in putting out the blaze.

He added: “The state of this site is not appealing to residents and visitors to the town in its present form, and detracts from the unique qualities of Sandwich.

“However, we understand this site may be the subject of a planning application which, if successful, can only improve matters and we look forward to developments.”