Representation by Dan Glover
- Date submitted
- 7 October 2018
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I broadly support the proposed development. It appears entirely appropriate to return the site to its historical use for aviation.
I live in Herne Bay and am well aware that arriving flights may pass overhead at relatively low level. When last operational the level of disturbance was very limited and even with the proposed increased level of activity I do not believe this will create a significant disturbance.
With its existing runway, Manston offers an opportunity for a "ready-made" freight airport requiring only the provision (reinstatement) of supporting facilities. This contrasts to the major disruption which would be involved to create an equivalent runway elsewhere. The site is close to a good quality road connected to the trunk network but upgrading of the local access would be required (true for any proposed development at the site). The railway line to the south of the site also could be exploited to serve the airport.
At the time of writing there is considerable uncertainty over freight flow in the light of the changing trade relationships between the UK, the EU and the rest of the world. Additional air freight capacity may become a valuable service and the re-opening of Manston would mean this is not in contention with existing passenger traffic at other airports.
I am aware that passenger flights are not a major part of the proposed operation however with appropriate facilities and operator(s) with the vision to offer services which fill a gap in the market I believe this could be a success. On a recent business trip it was necessary to head west to a busy London airport to board a flight to a relatively local destination in Europe. There also appears to be potential to develop intra-UK flights linking the south east with other regional airports, avoiding the need for extended journey and check in times at congested terminals.
The current owners of the land propose development which, if approved, would block any realistic prospect of the runway being used in the future. The proposals from Riveroak Strategic Partners Ltd, however, would meet the emerging need for additional freight facilities. They would also create substantial numbers of skilled jobs and benefit the local economy whilst relieving the pressure on other airports in the south east and elsewhere in the UK.