Representation by Jason France
- Date submitted
- 9 September 2018
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I wish to make known my concerns regarding the negative effects of the proposed 24/7 cargo hub airport on the health and economic wellbeing of the residents of Ramsgate.
As an already challenged community, the effects on children, notably the interruption of sleep, will have well documented (referring to London Borough of Hounslow for example) negative effects on their lives. Schools directly under the flight path (several) will no doubt suffer interruptions to lessons and general day to day activities. There are nearly 1400 students in one school alone. RSP cannot mitigate the tremendous noise of a QC4 aircraft in any way.
Ramsgate's tourism is on the increase, both from UK visitors and Europeans alike; The most popular areas of Ramsgate are its beaches and surrounding area, and the wealth of architectural gems such as Pugin's grange etc. This will undoubtedly end, and take with it the businesses, B&Bs, hotels, leisure and restaurant businesses that provide for it. The entire centre of Ramsgate is about 260m under the flight path. The loss of income to the town of Ramsgate will not be made-up by this proposed air cargo hub.
Residents who are new to or thinking of moving to Ramsgate, and/or those who can afford to, will up and leave, taking with them their investment in local business, and council tax footprint. In an area with an already notable dependence on social services, this will substantially dent the already struggling council. RSP claim this is of national importance. At what cost the wellbeing of more than 40,000 residents of Ramsgate? Any real-world local job creation will be nullified by the negative impact of RSP's plan.
The present owners of Manston have successfully generated thousands of new jobs in their previous, and ongoing site "Discovery Park" (about 1km away). Their plans, proposals, and finance are all UK based, and fully above board. 90% of RSP at time of writing this, is owned by a secretive company in Belize, free from financial scrutiny or taxes. It stinks in every aspect from an integrity or accountability point of view.
Should night flights ramp up to their 8-per-night or above, as per RSP's proposal, an already struggling town will be devastated by the noise, let alone jet fuel dumped over the town. (Flights coming in 'Heavy' dump excess fuel just before landing for safety sometimes, right over our beaches and town centre.)
Their claims of employment omit that Manston in its past ventures provided less than 200 jobs, and that was with passenger associated staff; a modern cargo hub will require less. Their employment numbers are unrealistic.
The promise of a DCO is stringing along the UKIP-led council to prevent Manston's rightful owners from continuing their realistic plan for the site. They are right now providing real employment on their sister site, which it's claimed is unsuccessful; There are over 2000 people employed as a result of the current owners work.