Representation by John Walker
- Date submitted
- 17 September 2018
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
Air Quality. A serious degradation in air quality for residents and visitors to Ramsgate and surrounding settlements is threatened by the landing and taking off of air cargo carrying aircraft and vastly increased heavy goods traffic, from and to the site.
Biodiversity. The proximity of Manston to the internationally recognised Nature reserves at Pegwell Bay and Sandwich poses a major threat to endangered and rare species currently found within the reserve.
Historic environment. With over 400 listed buildings, many of considerable antiquity and national importance, and four conservation areas, Ramsgate faces significant risk of damage to its older and more fragile buildings given the nature and scale of the proposed airport operation. The disturbance from air traffic would so reduce the desirability of the town that the refurbishment and repair of historic buildings would become a far less attractive proposition and the urban fabric would deteriorate.
Noise and vibration. With a population of over 40,000 and with a significant tourist and visitor population in the summer months, Ramsgate residents would experience an unacceptable reduction in their quality of life from a 24/7 frieght operation with significant health and well-being consequences.
Local Economy. Ramsgate, along with the rest of Thanet, depends critically on tourism as a major growth industry. The adverse impacts of a freight operation on the scale proposed would place at risk the the economic base and future prosperity of the town.