Representation by Sarah Bowman
- Date submitted
- 20 September 2018
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I have lived at my current address since 2007 when the airport was operating. Operations were sparodic but when flights were happening, places flew directly over our house. My representation will refer to the impact the noise had on the health of my family and me. Our house and most of the houses on Vale Square are listed. The houses are arranged around shared garden areas at the top and bottom of the square. The DCO application does not adequately address the impact of direct overhead flights on this historic area nor the constraints that listed building status puts on our ability to install sound-insulation. The historic setting of Vale Square and the shared garden square area is by definition open-air and cannot be protected from noise pollution. During previous flights, the noise was so loud that conversation had to stop until planes had passed by overhead. I challenge the quality of evidence submitted in respect of noise levels under flight paths from the airport. I do not believe that the application has shown sufficient regard for Historic England guidance on the effects of noise and vibration on the historic homes on the Square. Ours was built in 1847. I want to make a representation on the impact the planned airport would have on the town of Ramsgate as a whole in terms of quality of life for residents and visitors and on the negative impact the town’s economy. I want to challenge the need for the freight airport in this location and to (i) point to more suitable locations for freight provision and (ii) more suitable uses for this site which are viable. I will argue that more sustainable freight provision is available via ports, road and rail. I would like the inspector to consider the environment impact of freight flights.