Representation by Joanne Tuffs
- Date submitted
- 23 September 2018
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I believe that the plans for Manston Airport submitted by River Oak to reopen will be catastrophic for Ramsgate, principally on the environment and the quality of life of residents. Past use of Manston when the use as a cargo airport was a fraction of what is proposed by Riveroak, was extremely disruptive to daily life with excessive noise that prevented conversation and shook buildings. The schools within 2km of the airport will suffer from disruption, pollution and if I have understood the plan, the plan includes night flights that will have a terrible effect on family life and sleep patterns. The immediate environment includes Pegwell Bay which is an important conservation area and wildlife habitat - especially the bird population. There doesn't seem to be a sound economic argument either. Thanet District Council's own Local Plan draft unti 2031 concludes that the airport is not financially viable so why has this costly process been allowed to continue if these are the conclusions of the local council. Thanet has started to improve its quality of life by concentrating on such projects as Turner Contemporary which has been responsible for kick-starting regeneration. Thanet District Council should support culture and tourism to attract visitors to the area rather than a noisy, polluting airport that will be detrimental to the area's attractiveness to visitors.