Representation by Susan Sullivan
- Date submitted
- 22 September 2018
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I object to the development of Manston airport as a major cargo hub with some passenger flights as the flights will take place directly over Sandwich and Pegwell Bay nature reserve. This is an important area for its diverse bird population, notably waders and wildfowl. These birds are particularly vulnerable to disturbance and excessive noise causes them to constantly take flight when they are frightened. This uses up energy and allows less time for feeding. This in turn has a detrimental effect on breeding. The likely effect of airport noise is that the birds would disappear from the nature reserve. This at a time when wildlife and wading birds in particular are under intense pressure from the activities of man with the result that numbers are decreasing at an alarming rate. Sandwich and Pegwell nature reserve is a relatively quiet and peaceful corner of East Kent and as such is much appreciated by local people as well as the wildlife. In a world full of noise such places are becoming less and less. Please protect its future by refusing this application. Thank you.