Representation by Amie Miles
- Date submitted
- 7 September 2018
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
When considering the airport and the owners standing, I drew some conclusions from the documents made available. In one of the documents for public viewing it was noted that the buyer of the airport had to decide before 1 month of the purchase date to renew an annual contract. That contract was not renewed. So from that point on any procrastinating that the airport was a lost cause was null and void as from the evidence it was clear that within the first month of owning the property there was an alternative plan. When taking on a new business it is customary to renew any licences and contracts which are due for renewal well before liquidation or any other administrative move to close down and make the material assets of the company available for sale to finance the paying off of stakeholders.
From what could be seen there was a legitimate argument for the airport to be made a private airfield for the small business running of planes which were both small and light but more importantly well kept by businessmen and quieter. Oxford for example has one of these and their manifesto for public consultation was very impressive. It was such a good standard that it detailed the DB noise for each aircraft type so that members of public felt consulted.
I have seen little evidence from paperwork by those opposing the airport that would suggest that there is a good argument for the land to be turned over to a housing development. Not only is the water supply questionable but there is no guarantee that the homes will fit the local area plans. The argument is that there will be too much of a strain put upon the limited resources for water, doctors and schools. I am also concerned about the impact on nature for the site, like train-lines these brownfield sites are essential for wildlife. Housing projects would also disturb any aquifers and historic tunnels.
It also makes economical sense to preserve a useful asset. The runway as I understand it is very rare as the red arrows can take off side by side due to it's width. It's also been a site for training as it is long it can allow pilots to train confidently.
It therefore goes to say that this site is a resources for training, private jets, small companies, training mechanics and it also feeds into the surrounding business and resources as I have been told the small businesses were using the resources from harbour side businesses as well as bringing in resources from across the seas.
It was also still very much used as an emergency landing spot for anyone diverted from London, and with the threat of extreme weather and future terror attacks or drills i feel having a near alternative with strong quick links to London via the train imperative for the UK.