Representation by Graham Ralph
- Date submitted
- 16 September 2018
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I have lived in Ramsgate 59 years and feel I have a good understanding of the impact Manston has had on the town and the potential damage to people’s lives if it is allowed to open again. Noise - when the airport was open it impacted the health of myself and my family, I live immediately under the flight path, the house would shake and conversation had to stop, not just for a brief moment but during the slow build up as the plane approached and then the sound of it landing. Despite limitations imposed on the airport planes did at times fly at night, being woken in the night, resulted in several hours of lost sleep, not just a few minutes. My wife and I would be tired at work and our daughter at school. A flight at night affected our health and well-being. At one point night flights became frequent and we seriously considered leaving the town. Environment - the level of pollution over such a densely populated area is very worrying. I live in a family area, with schools very close, children will be brought up in a polluted environment. When the airport was operating there was often a smell of fuel in the air long after a plan had landed or taken off. Windowsills had a dirty oil like film that had to be washed off regularly. When the airport closed this all disappeared. NO2 is a carcinogen, flights will increase asthma and lung disease, the airport will impact the health of generations of children raised in the town. I also have concerns about the Pegwell Bay / Sandwhich nature reserve and the impact of pollution on it. Economic benefits - in the 59 years I have lived in Ramsgate, the airport has never been successful simply due to its geographical location and a number of independent reports in the past have confirmed this view regardless of the type of flights proposed. What the area desperately needs is homes. The current owners propose the creation of homes, sport and social facilities and business outlets at Manston all of which will create jobs and improve the lives of our community. Reopening the airport means the needed homes will be built on precious green space reducing the quality of life for everyone in the area. I urge you to reject this application.