Battle to save historic Christian site from developers

THE fight to save one of the most historic Christian sites in the country from being engulfed by a new housing estate is underway for a second time.

- BY JAMES WALKER

Campaigners are battling to protect the Grade II-listed St Augustine's Cross at Cliffsend, near Ramsgate, Kent.

It marks the location where Augustine, sent by Pope Gregory to convert the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity, arrived in 597 AD and met with King Ethelbert to establish the faith in England.

But the key location is under threat from developers, who want to build 200 homes on the surrounding farmland.

The scheme was rejected by Thanet District Council in June but the developer appealed and a hearing by the Planning Inspectorate has started.

The site is said to have huge historic significance and is managed by English Heritage.