Representation by Nethercourt Touring Park (Nethercourt Touring Park)
- Date submitted
- 17 September 2018
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I own a campsite, Nethercourt Touring Park, which is only 1.5 miles from the runway of Manston Airport, directly under the flight path. Flights travelling directly over tents, motorhomes and caravans would wipe out the business due to noise pollution. Tents and caravans offer no sound proofing and therefore the campsite would no longer be able to operate should Manston be given the go ahead for night flights. Tourism is a key industry in the area and camping is extremely popular particularly in this economic climate. The monetary loss would not only affect our business but the campers who stay with us also spend money in the local shops, restaurants and attractions. There are a very limited number of campsites in the area. Manston Caravan Park would also be affected by the noise and the other local campsite (Birchington Vale) is phasing out their touring pitches in favour of privately owned static caravans. This would mean that there are no campsites in the local area unaffected by night flights. However, unlike the other campsites in the area Nethercourt Touring Park is located close to Ramsgate town, beach and harbour and within close proximity to public transport (bus routes and the train station). A large number of our campers are elderly and have poor mobility relying heavily on close public transport to explore the area they visit. Similarly, due to being only a quarter of a mile away from the train station many of our campers are backpackers and stay at the campsite due to its close proximity to town and public transport networks. If the campsite were to close it would no longer be feasible for many people to visit the area which would significantly impact on Thanet as a whole.