Part of the derelict Pleasurama site in Ramsgate could host a new fairground this summer.

The former seafront amusements in Marina Esplanade were destroyed by a devastating blaze in 1998.

Work is underway on a wider regeneration project on the northern part of the site, which includes a hotel, apartments, and leisure facilities.

But site owner Ramsgate Development Company Ltd has applied for a temporary change of use for the southern section.

If approved, the new fairground would likely be open before the summer holidays and run until November 5, creating five jobs.

The wider project has been blighted by delays since 2004 when the council first gave planning permission for a scheme involving a 60-bedroom hotel, 107 apartments and shops and leisure facilities.

It has also been subject to a series of legal wrangles and changing contractors.

In 2014, the-then Labour-run council scrapped an agreement with SFP Ventures UK, which was contracted to build the scheme but defaulted.

The authority then entered a contractual arrangement with Cardy Ramsgate to take forward the development of the site, but its parent company Cardy Construction then filed for administration - again throwing the regeneration into limbo.

Planners hope the temporary fairground will draw in tourists, as well as creating more customers for surrounding businesses while the wider regeneration work is ongoing.

A design and access statement submitted to the council outlines that redevelopment work has commenced at the northern area of the site, and so the applicants are hoping to use the southern area, closest to Harbour Parade, for the short-term attraction.

The statement, prepared by S I Chartered Building Surveyors, says: “The proposed temporary siting of the fairground rides will help screen the ongoing redevelopment works and make good use of this part of the site. The location will be close to current commercial businesses, which it is hoped will benefit from the increased trade generated by the fairground attractions.

“The proposed application is not intended on a permanent basis, but merely to provide a temporary use to this area of development site for the current summer season.

“It will generate trade for the surrounding businesses, along with attracting tourism to Ramsgate seafront.”

Part of the site was dug out weeks ago and rides have started to arrive.

The intended opening hours are from 11am until 10pm daily. Entry will be free with a small cost for the rides.

The application has yet to be decided.