Representation by Michael John McEvoy
- Date submitted
- 8 October 2018
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I object to the plans to create a cargo airport at Manston for the following reasons:
One of the reasons I chose to live in Ramsgate is that Thanet is a growing creative hub for the South East. I am a busy working composer for film, television, recording and other projects. Living here in this beautiful environment enables me to have quiet time to compose, useful reflection time through walking in nature and by the sea. I am deeply concerned about the noise and pollution that will blight the environment and affect my ability to do my work.
I regularly employ members of the local community e.g. local recording studios, local music venues, and local technical/creative people (of which there is a growing and high profile community). I have 40 years professional and continuing experience in the music industry working with some of the world’s most globally-respected directors and musical talent. I write feature film and TV scores for major film/documentaries, and am on judging panels for BAFTA Awards and The IVORS. I am BAFTA-nominated and a US Emmy-award winner and am a Fellow of Higher Education. I believe in giving back what I have learned and teach a number of young up and coming film composers and songwriters and help support the musical education of young talent in the area. I participate and contribute to the artistic community here through giving talks/writing specially composed music and performing in events such as Ramsgate International Film and TV Festival, Ramsgate Festival of Sound and the Addington Street Festival among others.
Myself and my brother, [Redacted], who is a professional film-maker/photographer (nominee in National Portrait Gallery Taylor Wessing prize and exhibitor at Tate Modern) have taken part in mentoring activity with young people with local charities such as Project Motorhouse helping to support their creativity and also gain confidence and new skills.
I am profoundly concerned about the detrimental impact low flying aircraft will have on the health and well-being of my family, the wider community, and the broader effect on wildlife and the local environment through a significant rise in noise and pollution. Sadly myself and my family would definitely choose to leave the area if a local airport was to be reinstated at such close proximity.
Ramsgate is a very creatively stimulating environment with a Royal Harbour, maritime history, blue flag beaches and surrounded with teeming wildlife and countryside e.g. at Pegwell Bay. It would be devastating to the growing boom in tourism here to introduce a noisy, polluting cargo hub. Plans to make Ramsgate a Maritime Village would provide many more opportunities for jobs and be much more appropriate for an area which is on the edge of becoming a really thriving tourist and creative destination.