Representation by Samantha Bambridge
- Date submitted
- 2 October 2018
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
[Redacted] National Infrastructure Case Manager The Planning Inspectorate 3/18 Eagle Wing Temple Quay House 2 The Square Bristol BS1 6PN
Dear [Redacted]
I have been an elected member of Thanet District Council (TDC) since May 2015 and I now wish to register as an interested party in relation to the Manston Development Consent Order process.
TDC has recently begun a consultation process in relation to its draft Local Plan which is intended to cover the period up to 2031. The draft begins with a “Vision” of TDC’s aspirations for 2031 and I have set out details of that Vision at the end of this letter. I fully support the Vision, but I am realistic and I believe that it will only be achieved if both the Port of Ramsgate and Manston Airport are returned to full operation and are then allowed to develop.
Missing from the TDC Vision is any reference to the local economy. The socio-economic indicators for Thanet are well known. On most measures we lag well behind the rest of Kent and much of the UK. This is not the place to comment on the role of Port Ramsgate in the local economy, so my focus will be on the airport.
I accept that a busy airport will result in changes to everyday life in Thanet. There will be more lorry movements, there will be aircraft noise and there may even be a few flights at night. We must all be vigilant when it comes to these matters and of course we will look to the Planning Inspectorate and to the Civil Aviation Authority to ensure that the operators of the airport adhere to the highest standards in all respects.
However, in my view, any disadvantages will be more than outweighed by the gains. Successful airports create jobs and not just the kind of low paid jobs normally associated with Thanet’s traditional leisure and tourism industries, but a range of jobs covering the entire spectrum of skills. These in turn lead on to training and specialist education which can offer opportunities not currently available to many of our young people.
Thanet’s tourism industry has a long tradition stretching back to the early Victorian era. However it is no secret that, since the arrival of package tours to the sun in the 1960s, tourism locally has struggled. This is in part because, unlike certain other parts of Kent, Thanet has struggled to attract international tourists. I believe that a successful airport can change this because, unlike the charter flights of old, low cost airlines operating out of Manston will bring tourists into our area as well as flying local people to continental destinations.
Manston Airport has been with us here in Thanet for over 100 years and I believe it can now play a key role in turning around our local economy and offering our residents, and especially our young people, the kind of opportunities which are just not available to them at present.
Yours sincerely
Councillor Sam Bambridge
The Vision: The Council's aspirations for 2031 • Thanet has realised its growth potential as a location for business investment. Making the most of its close proximity to Europe and easy access to London, Thanet plays an important role in East Kent. • It has benefited from sustained investment in skills, employment and infrastructure. Thanet successfully retains and attracts skilled people to live and work in the area. • Health and educational attainment in Thanet are comparable with the county average, driven by good quality education and training. • Thanet has a sustainable, balanced economy with a strong focus on advanced manufacturing, emerging technologies, tourism, culture and leisure, supported by the three thriving coastal towns. • It has a well-established year-round visitor economy, a destination of choice, having high quality accommodation and inviting public spaces. Thanet capitalises on its natural assets, the coastline and beaches, the heritage and culture, and these assets are protected and positively managed for the longer term. • The coastal town centres have re-defined their roles, maximising their unique characteristics, with diverse commercial offers and independent places to shop, eat and stay. New and restored housing has been regenerated next to boutique hotels and art studios. • Margate is a contemporary seaside resort based on its unique assets of a sandy beach, harbour and rich townscape. The creative industry, niche retail and educational sectors have diversified the economic heart of the town. • Ramsgate's maritime heritage, the commercial function of the port, supporting renewable technology, its Royal Harbour, marina, beach and attractive waterfront, provide a vibrant mix of town centre uses, with a strong visitor economy and café culture. • Broadstairs is a charming and attractive town and a popular location for visitors and residents, who enjoy the flavour of its historic associations, range of small shops and restaurants, beach and picturesque waterfront. • Westwood has strengthened its position as a retail destination, as well as being firmly established as a town centre, and has developed as an integrated community, with housing, business, leisure, sport and recreation, and education. This has been supported by investment in transport infrastructure creating a safe and attractive pedestrian environment at its centre. • High quality new homes, as well as the regeneration of Thanet’s high-quality historic housing, provide a choice of homes for Thanet’s residents and for those who have invested in, or newly arrived in the area. • Cliftonville has an economically independent, settled and mixed community structure, with the pride and confidence to invest in quality development and care for its local environment. • The villages retain their separate physical identity, historic character and have vibrant communities with local facilities and services. • The open countryside between the towns and villages remains essentially undeveloped, with a varied landscape, tranquillity and distinctive views. Opportunity has been taken to increase public access and there is a diverse agricultural economic base, including green tourism.