Representation by N Francina Van Twest
- Date submitted
- 8 September 2018
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
Manston seems ill-placed for a viable cargo hub. Located far out, on the coast at the bottom of the UK, the logistics of getting cargo disseminated to and from here in a timely and cost-effective manner will be extremely difficult and does not seem economically viable. It is no surprise to me that all three businesses that ran it since it opened as a commercial airport in 1998, tried and failed to make Manston a profitable airport. I see no clear and compelling reason in the national interest for this proposal; as any sort of airport, let alone one focussing solely on cargo. Plus Heathrow's third terminal has been endorsed by parliament now; this has a significant cargo strategy to 'lift freight volumes to 3 million tonnes a year by 2040 through improved service and increased capacity from a third runway' (taken from the official documents); so the regeneration of Manston as an airport is needed even less. If I were a cargo company seeking swift distribution of goods I would opt for a more centrally located existing airport already staffed and meeting safety/process standards, and with supporting system links e.g. Gatwick, Heathrow or a midlands based one. Plus the current Kent road states and structures are insufficient for the proposals - considerable infrastructure investment would also be required. I have read the proposal and they underplay the impact, I speak from personal experience: I lived in Horton - just 3.5 miles from Heathrow - and now live in Ramsgate, also 3.5 miles from Manston. The noise was thunderous and the stress abysmal; I lasted 3 months. Thanet is gaining momentum as a tourist place in summer and it would devastate the wonderful regeneration of the area. There is a growing staycation market which can only bolster the national economy as hard earned cash is spent here rather than abroad; I saw it in Whitstable and I see it now in Ramsgate. Think of Thanet as another Cornwall. So, what to do with the Manston site? Far better to meet critical national housing goals and build much needed houses on the site. I think the current owner's proposal - Stone Hill - for around 4000 houses with supporting services, will be a significant contribution to the essential house building this country needs. I believe this is much more in the national interest than a cargo hub out on a limb from the rest of the country. I love living in Ramsgate and think a cargo hub makes no business sense and would destroy the area; after living in Horton I would sell my house here - directly under the flight path - and move away. I thought I found my place to live out the rest of my live here; I had plans to support the local economy. On a very personal level, I am very sad that I could be forced to move.