Representation by Zuza Atkinson
- Date submitted
- 6 October 2018
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I strongly object to the proposal by RSP to re-open Manston Airport as a Cargo Hub, as I it would do severe damage to the area. I object it as a local resident, local mother, local freelancer, local artist, local dog walker, local area and environment admirer, local beach goer and boater. Manston Airport, if re-opened as a Cargo Hub, will make life of anyone, even more those that share the above characteristics, unbearable to an extent that living here will no longer be an option and thus we would have no other choice, but to sell and leave the area. This would result with falling house prices, closing business, and rapid decrease in tourism and therefore an overall deprivation of this beautiful historic area, which is currently on a static upward to thrive as a creative and intellectual hive and a coastal tourism hotspot. We have recently seen new businesses flourish, tourism increase, old properties renovated, and a vibrant and varied community develop. Many of us chose to live here for the fresh sea air and relative peace and quiet of a small coastal town. Our lives here would however be jeopardised by atrocious noise and air pollution, as well as horrendous heavy-duty road traffic resulting from the reopening of the Manston Airport as a Cargo Hub. Our library, parks, allotments, the beach, nurseries and schools provide great places for learning, creativity and leisure, however each of these places, including many homes, lie on or very close to the flight path and would be subjected to intolerably loud and relentless noise should this DCO be awarded. DCO 5.1/ 4.1.46 “....significant adverse effects have been identified as being likely as a result of an increase in noise..” and 4.1.47 “aircraft noise would increase to the point where there would be a perceived change in the quality of life for occupants.... “ The very few locals who are backing the airport, have been deceived by the promise of the prospective jobs, but are failing to see that the very few jobs offered by the Cargo Hub will be accompanied by the actual and prospective loss of jobs resulting from mass exodus of the affluent population, with their creative business and spending power fuelling other local businesses. Over a 15 year period, three attempts have been made to make Manston a commercial success, and all have resulted in large financial losses. Several RiverOak CPO bids have already been rejected as being unsound. There have also been six reports by aviation experts as to the viability of Manston as an airport, all reporting the site unsuitable. Thus it’s clear that any attempt to open the airport will fail, but in process irretrievable damage would be inflicted upon this historic and beautiful area. To sum up, no one wants massive airplanes flying over our heads and ten tonne trucks blocking our roads! It will create danger on our roads, poison in our air, sleepless nights for our children. Please stop this madness from happening!