Representation by Adrian Dowling
- Date submitted
- 10 September 2018
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
Manston Airport Planning Inspectorate Reference: TR020002
I support the RiverOak DCO application as I firmly believe that Manston Airport should be re-opened not only for the benefit of the local area, but also because it is a National Infrastructure Asset.
• Cargo operations RiverOak have done their homework and know exactly how to make Manston a success. Cargo has always been the core business at Manston and will be of increasingly more importance to local & UK economy in the future. The air freight sector has been growing year on year for some years now, and it is forecast to grow even faster post-brexit. In addition to this there is pressure from the other major airports in the south-east for more runway capacity, something that Manston can provide in a very short time, easing the situation by taking the dedicated cargo flights thereby creating the space that the other airports require
• Passenger operations Previous passenger operations at Manston were limited but, when subsidised by profit from an increasing cargo business, this will become important in helping other major UK airports in handling increasing demand. Being able to fly from a local airport rather than having to travel to Heathrow, Gatwick or Stansted will also remove a considerable amount of cars from the already overloaded M25, reducing both stress & pollution.
• Local infrastructure As part of the re-opening of Manston, RiverOak have pledged to spend a considerable amount of money on improving the local infrastructure, both from new access to the airport thereby easing congestion on local routes, and also by the upgrading of minor roads around the airport.
• Employment Thanet is an area with very high unemployment with the few jobs that there are available being in either retail or the care industry, and it is crying out for a broad range of quality jobs. Many of those jobs will become available on the airport itself, but many more will also be with associated businesses in the surrounding area which provide support services to an airport operation. Apprenticeships will be also be available to give young people the start in life they need for a long, successful career.
• Local economy & tourism The tourist industry will benefit from Thanet becoming a prosperous area rather than a run down one as it is now, and this will have positive benefits to the wider area and the people of Kent. Since the airport closed visitors to both of the museums has fallen dramatically, potentially putting them at risk, but with airport operations resuming, visitors would return as people not only just visit the museums but also enjoy watching the aircraft coming & going while they take a refreshment break during their visit.
Basically Thanet, Kent and the whole of the south-east need Manston to reopen to help provide a positive future for everyone. Lets start doing something to create those quality, long-term jobs that future generations want & deserve.
I very much hope that my representation will be accepted & registered. Adrian Dowling