Representation by Helen Robson
- Date submitted
- 7 October 2018
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
My objections to the reopening of Manton Airport as a freight hub are as follows.
A large amount of Heavy goods vehicles moving cargo would cause an overload on Kents already stretched road network as a large amount of the roads are only two lane carriageways and there is poor infrastructure connecting Thanet to London and the motorway networks.
There will be a rise in particulate pollution in the air quality due to the air freight hub both from the planes and the required HGV's ,this will affect surrounding areas such as Manston , Minster , Ramsgate and Margate .This will have an effect particularly on the young, the elderly and residents with Asthma or other respiratory ailments.
This freight hub would have a negative effect on the local tourist industry which is beginning to see a turnaround in fortune and may impact on investment in the area in future. Noise, poor air quality and lots of heavy traffic doesn't make for a pleasant visitor experience.
There is a great need for more housing and some light industrial and commercial building in the area , this is a Brownfield site which could be used instead of losing agricultural land which is important for food production.
Most cargo is carried in the hold of passenger planes as this is the most financially viable for carriers. Manston does not attract the passenger numbers for this and there are already airports located in areas far more easily accessible which have available capacity for flights.
Noise from night flights would affect the health of local people as many houses are situated very close to the runway.
If a third runway is built at Heathrow or a further runway built at Gatwick these will always be freight operators preferred choice as road movement from these airports will be much speedier due to the locations and available road networks .