Representation by Dr. Beau Webber
- Date submitted
- 7 October 2018
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
As a frequent flyer, the loss of Manston Airport is a grievous loss, I am fervently hoping that Manston Airport will be restored to active use by this RiverOak DCO.
Fast cheap flight options : The 35 minute flight to Schiphol, with baggage checked through internationally, was a wonderful service, which we can but hope will be restored. The current alternatives of Heathrow or Gatwick, with train and walking / car and parking (often with overnight hotel) / taxi, add hundreds of pounds to the cost of a holiday or business flight. Hopefully these fast and convenient flight options will return with a re-opened Manston Airport.
The attitude of the Senior Management Team at TDC towards Manston Airport : I deplore Thanet District Council's excising of Manston Airport from its draft Local Plan, and removal of the airport safeguarding policies EC4 and SP05.
TDC Lack of Consultation : TDC have not fully consulted with Canterbury City Council regarding Manston Airport, and show no sign of intending to do so.
Huge investment, vast numbers of new jobs, and the regeneration of East Kent and Thanet : Thanet is a very deprived area, and I am hoping that the re-opening and expansion of Manston Airport will lead to an end to the closing of local firms, which is damaging my own firm.
Opportunities for school leavers : It is painful to see the lack of hope and aspirations of school leavers, who see little in the way of opportunities for jobs in East Kent and Thanet. RiverOak's clear intentions to employ as many local people as possible, and to put training, education and apprenticeships in place, to upskill the local people so that they can partake of these jobs, is most welcome.