Representation by Adrian Foad
- Date submitted
- 7 October 2018
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
Having lived in the County all my life and worked in Kent most of my life, including Thanet, all over the UK and Europe, i fully support that Manston Airport should remain an Airport and should not be allowed for development of any kind especially Housing. There is very limited employment in Thanet and a Housing development will not sustain employment. In view of Brexit, it is more essential that Manston remains an Airport, as the UK will be trading with the World , not just Europe. Manston during the Cold War was the only Airport that could be reached in the UK by US aircraft without refueling. Although this does not apply today it does go to show the importance of this Airfield. Manston has the space for storage of products for distribution of Imports/Exports, which due to surrounding developments, many other UK airports lack. It is also close to Ramsgate Port, which also could cope with additional freight traffic to work in partnership with Manston on distribution. Thanet is mainly a coastline which has advantages. If Government improved the Rail network in this part of Kent, Manston is an ideal Airport for Passenger services too. This will create even more employment for Thanet, and increase tourism in Kent. Kent used to be the Garden of England, now it is The Concrete Jungle of the UK ! Developing houses where there is no large volume of employment is ludicrous, given the right backing and support Manston has the ability to be a thriving industry for Thanet creating employment, boosting tourism, and helping to deal with Imports/Exports World-wide which are likely to vastly increase once we leave the European Union. If the Port of Dover are unable to cope with traffic Volume due to Border checks, Manston will be a logistical resource for Companies to use instead, thus avoiding a back log at the Port or Channel Tunnel, and even reducing operation stack. This Airport over its time has had some fantastic Airshows and still has a proud and well presented Museum in Memory of those who fought or gave the ultimate sacrifice to their Country in WWII. In their memory it would be a fitting tribute to keep Manston operating as an Airport for future generations. Aircraft using Manston will be no more a noise problem for Kent, than what Stansted is already, unless you live right on top of the runway in which case if you can,t stand the heat, why stay in the kitchen! i rest my case and fully support Manston remaining an Airport.