Representation by Nicholas Cole
- Date submitted
- 17 September 2018
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I was a member of the former Manston Airport Consultative Committee for 16 years. I have witnessed various organisations attempt to make a success of running the airport, many of them investing millions of pounds on the site, but all have failed.
The airport's location is not suitable for modern aviation, surround by the sea on three sides and with the eastern end of the runway in close proximity to Ramsgate, residents and visitors alike are disturbed by any movements. The prospect of night flights are of great concern to residents at either end of he runway, businesses and schools.
The current owners plans for a mixed use development tick many boxes. Housing on this site is preferable to the proposals for Birchington, Westgate and Minster with 2,500 houses taking the pressure off the planners and the draft local plan.
My greatest concern with the application is the credibility of the applicants. They have consistently failed to provide evidence that they can finance the re-opening of the airport or provide details of where the money is coming from.
Since the airport closed a number of announcements have been made that make Manston less viable. The expansion of Heathrow with additional runway capacity and a new underground logistics hub will increase the freight capacity significantly. The proposal to link HS1 to HS2 to the west of London would reduce journey times from East Kent to Gatwick and Heathrow.
Finally, these delays in developing the site do nothing to help the regeneration of Thanet.