Speculation is growing that a decision by planning chiefs on whether to allow a consortium to make its case to reopen Manston Airport as a cargo hub is imminent.

The planning inspectorate is considering whether a bid by RiverOak Strategic Partners for what is known as a development consent order should be allowed to proceed.

The DCO would permit the consortium to make its case to compulsorily acquire the site on the basis that its plan for a cargo hub facility is a nationally important infrastructure project.

The consortium resubmitted its application to the planning inspectorate (PINS) last month after being told that more details were needed about the application, notably on where the funding for the scheme would come from.

That application was made last month and under the regulations for determining such proposals, PINS has 28 days to consider whether to accept or reject it.

While allowing a DCO would mark a significant step for RSP and campaigners, the application would have to go through a rigorous inquiry before a final decision.

The current owners of what has been renamed Stone Hill Park have insisted that they are determined to continue with their own plans for a mixed use development on the airport site, with up to 4,000 homes and new businesses.

The owners have submitted a formal planning application to Thanet council.

Councillors recently voted to back a plan that leaves open the possibility of re-opening Manston as an airport.

The Conservative-run council adopted a local plan that recognised Manston as a site for aviation use.

That plan now has to be the subject of a separate public inquiry.