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Representation by Brian Chapman

Date submitted
6 October 2018
Submitted by
Members of the public/businesses

I wish to object to the proposals of RiverOak Strategic Partners (RSP) to reopen the currently closed Manston Airport and to use principally as a cargo airport. my objections are based on the following points;

  1. The proposal, that will be far more intensive than any previous use of the airport, will have a significant and detrimental impact due to noise, both day and night.
  2. Whilst the applicants claim that there will be no scheduled night flights, all night flights to and from the airport have been unscheduled in the past. such flights would be uncontrolled and, from past experience, will be hugely detrimental to large areas of residential property as well as business and holiday uses in the area.
  3. Noise and vibration from aircraft will detract from the valuable and growing tourism industry in the area resulting in the potential loss of jobs, income and investment.
  4. The intensive use proposed will have an adverse impact upon the health and well being of the local population.
  5. The flight paths, in particular that over Ramsgate, passes over or close to several schools and flights will detract from those establishments by virtue of noise and disturbance.
  6. Flights into and our of the airport will detract from the general quality of life in the area. Many residents now exist who have not experienced the operation of the airport and have no knowledge of what to expect.
  7. The use will create pollution and environmental damage to the area surrounding the airport due to noise, vibration and fumes, in particular from the numerous heavy goods vehicles that will be required to transport goods coming into and out of the airport.
  8. RSP claim that the airfield is a National asset. This presupposes that it will serve the whole country. It is poorly situated at the eastern extremity of Kent well divorced from any major centre for business or manufacturing and will therefore result in an increase in long haul heavy goods transport on the south easts already busy and crowded road network. Flights to other better located airports would be replaced by increased road transport increasing congestion and pollution. The proposal is not sustainable