More than 300 people turned up to a consultation for the chance to quiz an American company that wants to reopen Manston Airport.

The informal talks held at The Pavilion, Broadstairs, yesterday saw RiverOak reveal more about their proposals for the site, now called Stone Hill Park.

Among their proposals is a plan to move the Spitfire Memorial Museum and create a museum quarter on the site.

Representatives from the US investment company explained more about their application for a Development Consent Order (DCO) and their hopes for the future of the site.

RiverOak project leader Tony Freudmann said: "We haven't done a poll but we think the majority of people in Thanet support the reopening of the airport.

"We think the chance of getting it up and running are very strong, we think this project qualifies under national significance for a DCO.

"And if we get a DCO we will get all the planning and permissions we need, plus a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO).

"We will have to pay the owners fair compensation but we are prepared for that and there is a possibility that limited flying could take place by the end of next year."

Plans also revealed the investment firm believes the site is able to handle about 14 return flights per day, a base for at least one passenger carrier, an aircraft recycling and engineering facility, a flight training school and business facilities for aviation companies.

RiverOak has chosen the Manston site because they say it has one of the longest runways in the UK and is the only real choice for a cargo airport in the South East.

RiverOak partner Niall Lawlor said: "I think the chances of getting it reopened are very realistic and I wouldn't be spending all this money if I didn't think so.

"I don't believe Stone Hill Park will create anywhere near 4,000 jobs.

"Our projections show more than 1,000 jobs will be created in the first five years and well above minimum salaries.

"The aviation recycling opportunity will provide 300 to 400 jobs with aviation engineers earning anything from £50,000 upwards.

"These are quality salaried positions that will be very beneficial to this area.

"I think we are building a compelling enough case that we will prevail with the DCO because this is an asset of national significance.

"We are starting with at least one passenger aircraft and the whole idea is to develop passenger aircrafts as opportunities come our way.

"We aren't kicking the airport off on passenger opportunities because we want to underwrite its sustainability first and then bring in passenger flights.

"If your house is in the flight path of an airport there will be some noise, we will be looking at different approach and take-off routes plus other issues to mitigate that as much as we can."

The second consultation runs until 8pm today at Sands Hotel, Marine Drive, Margate.