Representation by Douglas Cleworth
- Date submitted
- 3 September 2018
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
Consider that Manston Airport is a strategic asset, particularly when Brexit will require additional capacity in order to import/export goods. This existing facility would be developed and create local employment in a recognised area of deprivation. When MoD originally sold the airfield it was sold for a nominal sum and intended to be developed as an airport. The purchaser had other ideas and began to asset strip essential radar and other equipment demonstrating that it was always “purchased” for residential development. The current owners who apparently “bought” the airfield for £10are in my opinion property speculators. Their proposal to build thousands of homes and commercial properties will not bring permanent employment and the properties are not likely to be of benefit to local residents.