Off-road biking for ancient site

The site could be turned into an official off-road motor biking area

A former landfill site which is also an Ancient Scheduled Monument could be turned into an off-road biking area.

The site in Dane Valley Road, Broadstairs, Kent, is currently used illegally for off-road biking and fly-tipping, Thanet District Council said.

The authority has received requests for it to be turned into an official motor biking area, Councillor Jo Gideon said.

But she said Anglo-Saxon remains were found there in the 1970s and some "may still be present".

Archaeological study

"A great deal of research" was needed to proceed with the plan, she added.

The council cabinet has agreed to carry out a series of studies to look at the future of the site, she said.

She said more than 300 Anglo-Saxon remains were found at the site in the 1970s.

As an Ancient Scheduled Monument, the site would be subject to an archaeological assessment and government consent would also be needed before work could start.

Inquiries would also include a noise assessment study, and consultation with residents.