North Thanet Conservative candidate Sir Roger Gale says that Manston’s best hopes of being re-opened as an airport still rest with the company trying to secure a development consent order on the site.

He was reacting to the news, revealed exclusively by the Thanet Extra today, that a new company based in America has set its sights on acquiring the former airport and is planning a £100m investment to start various aviation businesses on the 750-acre site.

Consultants acting for the un-named company are due to meet with council chiefs this week to discuss its proposals and say they do not require any financial support.

Questions have been raised over the timing of the announcement on the eve of the Kent County Council election.

Sir Roger, who said his determination to stand for election again was down to “unfinished business” over Manston, cast doubt on the new plans but said if there was a new contender, it should team up with RiverOak.

“If there is indeed another serious player on the field then I would strongly advise that they make contact with me and, more importantly, that they seek to make common cause with RiverOak Strategic Partnership as the company that has already carried out the necessary Environmental Impact Assessment and has the Development Consent order process in hand.”

He added that while he was willing to talk to anyone with an interest in the site, RiverOak continued to be the strongest company.

“I have been willing, and remain willing, to talk with anyone seriously interested in re-opening Manston as a centre for freight, passengers and aviation-related industries but to date only RiverOak Strategic Partnership has staunchly and with determination pursued that objective and has demonstrated to my satisfaction that they have access to the funds necessary to do the job properly.”

The US-based company is being represented by German-based consultancy DTD Consult.

It describes itself as experienced in “airline operations and aviation ground operations, including aerial firefighting, manufacturing and management consulting”.

"We have made it very clear from the beginning that providing an inward investor can show proof of funds, then we are duty-bound to work with them in the best interests of our residents...” - Thanet council leader Chris Wells

Cllr Chris Wells, the Ukip leader of TDC, said: “We have made it very clear from the beginning that providing an inward investor can show proof of funds, then we are duty-bound to work with them in the best interests of our residents”.

He stressed the council would carry out a comprehensive risk assessment and be “no easier or harder on this or any other potential partner than we have been with RiverOak”.

He added Ukip remained committed to the possibility of reopening Manston.

The council commissioned a report last year that concluded that the prospects of Manston re-opening as an airport were remote. This report was the basis for the council's decision to remove the site as suitable for aviation from its strategic plan.