A senior Conservative county councillor says hundreds of new jobs that could be created at the former Manston airport site are at risk because no decision has been taken over a potential buyout.

Cllr Mark Dance, the Conservative Kent County Council cabinet member for economic regeneration, said it was unfortunate that the fate of the Manston airfield was unclear because Thanet council had yet to decide on whether to press for a compulsory purchase order (CPO) - effectively, a forced buyout.

He told a cross-party cabinet meeting at County Hall today that the uncertainty was costing jobs.

“There is still a question whether, after doing due diligence on potential partners, Thanet council will go for a CPO or not.”

Cllr Dance continued: “Along with that, there are plans in with Thanet council by the new owners for the re-use of some of the existing buildings, subject to planning committee decision.

"I am in a bit of a dilemma because we know there are companies who want to move on to the site."

He added: "We know there are hundreds of jobs at stake; we know that they can re-use existing buildings. Who will get to the finish gate first?

"It is an unfortunate situation where there is not much clarity.”

Thanet council is still in discussions with an American consortium RiverOak about whether to team up to apply for a compulsory purchase order of the site.

It says it will not comment on those talks, scheduled to go on in private for several weeks.

The owners of what has been renamed Stone Hill Park have plans to redevelop the site as a mixed business and housing park and have consulted on its plans, which include the possibility of a film studio and international sized swimming pool.

The site is currently prepared to act as an emergency lorry park for when Operation Stack is in place. However, it has yet to be used in that way.