AN AMBITIOUS blueprint for the redevelopment of Kingsmead, the former sports stadium and coach park site at Canterbury, is being discussed by city councillors tonight behind closed doors.

They will be considering a confidential report which goes far beyond the boundaries and remit of the original plans for the site.

That leisure-based scheme foundered in 1999 when developer London and Regional pulled out at the 11th hour. But now consultants have helped draw up new plans for a much wider area which could ultimately affect businesses, schools and homes.

Several hundred new homes are envisaged - which will help meet the Government targets laid down for the district of providing 475 affordable homes every year. But the report also investigates a variety of other land uses including hotel/conference facilities, workshops/studios, open space for leisure activities and a replacement for the Marlowe Theatre.

The relocation of the Kingsmead coach park is considered but, significantly, no retail development is envisaged.