An artist's impression of the Dreamland parkscape

Plans to convert a decaying site into the world's first heritage amusement park are back on track after a High Court ruling.

The £10million scheme featuring historic rides in Margate can now go ahead after an appeal by the owners against the council's decision to compulsorily purchase the land was dismissed.

The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government originally approved the move in August last year.

Current owners, Margate Town Centre Regeneration Company, then launched an appeal challenging the decision.

Following the successful High Court ruling, the council says it will now work to buy the land work can start.

Once this is done the council, together with The Dreamland Trust, hopes to regenerate the site to create the amusement park with historic rides, classic side shows, vintage cafés, restaurants and gardens.

It is aimed at celebrating the British seaside and popular culture, and forms a key part of the regeneration of the seaside town.

Thanet District Council chief executive, Sue McGonigal, said: “Today’s ruling from the High Court comes as very welcome news.

"We now have a clear mandate to progress with our plans to deliver a brand new and unique visitor attraction for the South East.

"With overwhelming public support, and the vital funds in place, there has been no doubt about our commitment to see this project through.

"Getting to this point has certainly been frustrating, especially with the site left vacant and unused for a significant amount of time.

"Our focus now will be to progress with plans to dramatically regenerate Dreamland and I look forward to seeing the potential benefits this will bring to Margate.”

Chairman of The Dreamland Trust, Nick Laister, said the residents and businesses of Thanet had waited too long to see the tourist site come back to life.