Representation by Will Calcutt
- Date submitted
- 27 September 2018
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
Manston Airport represents a strategic and economic interest, both locally and nationally, and could, when reopened, carry a significant burden that would otherwise limit the capacity and capability of London airports in an ever-growing passenger-focussed environment.
Manston is in a key position to receive goods from the continent, particularly following the departure of the United Kingdom from the European, and is ideally placed to receive inbound freight upon the implementation of new trade agreements between the UK and nations worldwide once we leave the EU. It is positioned within two hours of London, with a road infrastructure in place, and the possibility of rail services within spitting distance.
Given it's rich history as an aviation hub for the Royal Air Force (and the continued presence of the Ministry of Defence and incoming Reserve regiment), Manston remains vitally important as an airport serving everyone from the public to transnational corporations to our armed forces, and the proposals by RSP offer extensive employment opportunities in a recognised area of economic deprivation, and with a rate of unemployment 10% higher than the national average.
As a lifelong resident, Manston has always been an exciting place to visit or pass by, whilst its air shows have attracted crowds of hundreds of thousands, representing a great boost to the local economy in an area of significant economic deprivation. The plans presented by RSP appear to offer a logical and beneficial redevelopment that could be of benefit to both the local residents and the wider region. Furthermore, by developing the airport, this offers the potential of passenger travel worldwide (something that a previous operator was profiting from prior to the airports closure), taking strain off London's airports and the road networks that feed them.
There is no reason why the airport could not succeed and become a national asset given the opportunity and greater management than previously experienced.