Stone Hill Park bosses have revealed plans to retain some former Manston airport buildings at final public consultations over the future of the site.

The group say the southern runway will be used for recreation and it will become a place for the museums to expand.

They will also create a Spitfire park for planes to land on during events.

The final public consultations by the group took place this week.

The plans are due to be submitted to Thanet District Council next month.

When discussing the heritage of the former Manston airport site, the group proposed an integration and retention of a number of existing buildings.

The radar, the control tower by the museum and a small control tower by the runway will all be kept as features but given new uses.

Spokesman for Stone Hill Park Lee Winter said: “It is designed to keep hold of features linking the past and the future.

“If the radar tower falls in the parkland section then it will become a feature used in that area.

“It is designed to keep hold of features linking the past and the future..." Lee Winter

“The fire station on the site will be used as a village centre.

“More features will be revealed in the future when plans are finalised and submitted."

Plans to build 2,500 homes, built over 10 to 15 years, remain unchanged.

A more detailed look on employment opportunities was offered in the development proposals.

It said a focus on high-value manufacturing with some storage, distribution and office uses would deliver around 4,000 new permanent jobs, again over the next 10 to 15 years.

One third of the site could be covered by parks and open spaces, including areas for new woodland and allotments.

Plans to build a variety of shops and services including a foodstore, GP and pharmacy, two new primary schools, a community hall, hotel and leisure facilities have also been announced.

A proposed East Kent Sports Village would house a 50m swimming pool, outdoor wave pool, sports pitches, courts and a track.