Representation by Julie Wickenden
- Date submitted
- 26 September 2018
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
Since Manston airport was unceremoniously stolen from Thanet for £1, we have been told that it is not viable as an airport and the only sensible thing would be to use that land for housing. Prior to its closure, the 30 minute connecting flight to Schipol which we had used a few times, had opened up the world making travel from the South East so much easier, keeping traffic off the M25. KLM had not had the chance to develop this connection and we were so excited over what could become of it. When you drive from here to London there are thousands of acres of land which to me would make much more sensible housing sites. Manston has no easy seaside access to attract retired people, and Thanet has no employment to attract the young. Since the loss of Pfizer my husband is still not in appropriate employment as a scientist. Why not put the housing closer to the cities that have employment prospects and accompanying services? With a port and an airport at the closest point to mainland Europe, Thanet could be a fantastic hub for international trade and travel. To let Manston airport go at this point would be devastating and irreversible.