Representation by Mr D Smart
- Date submitted
- 6 September 2018
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I am concerned with the re-opening of Manston airport for the following reasons;
As a resident of Ramsgate I feel that the savemanstonairport.org.uk campaign is misleading the public. Their literature states Manson will bring jobs and "travel" although technically, this is true, it suggests that there will be a fully functional passenger service but the planning suggests a minimal passenger service. When I speak to local people, they think they will be able to use the airport for holidays. As a result, they have been convinced that the airport would be a good thing.
Other reasons why it shouldn't go ahead are;
Pollution. The main flight path brings the planes in very close proximity (directly over) to Pegwell nature reserve. this would have a devastating effect on wildlife of one of Kents largest nature reserves. Where I live, there are Bats which I know are protected. not to mention, Noise/pollution from planes and lorries.
Congestion. Lorries going to and from London would add more traffic and make journey times much longer as Manston is serviced via an A road. This would also have a knock-on-effect to congestion on the M25 as lorries circumnavigate London to take freight beyond.
Jobs. When Manson was unsuccessfully being run as a freight hub there were no more than 150 jobs and around 20-30 of those were part time. Stone Hill Park are planning a business park, Housing and leisure facilities which would create lots of jobs as well as attractions for local residents too.
Heritage. I Love where I live. It may be run down but Ramsgate is slowly being regenerated by people who care about where they live. If the airport were to go ahead, it would have a devastating effect not just on the environment and health of residents and wildlife but its future. If Manston goes ahead, house prices will fall significantly as people would move out of the area. No one wants to live under a flight path. out-of-town buyers /commuters would disappear which wouldn't help Ramsgate's regeneration and have a negative effect the local economy. Thanet council have difficulty maintaining our heritage, understandably, due to a lack of funding. It's the people that prop Ramsgate up. if nobody wants to come to Ramsgate as its under a potentially busy flight path, I feel the town will fall back into decay and those people will give up and move on.
I have two children and I am worried about their health and wellbeing. I am also concerned that pro Manston supporters really are unaware of the negative impact it could have. We have such a lot to offer. stone Hill Park would help bring much needed jobs, housing and activities for the future. These are some of the reasons why I am against the re-opening of Manston airport.
Darren Smart