Representation by Annmarie Robertson
- Date submitted
- 4 October 2018
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I oppose the granting of permission of a DOC for a freight hub/passenger airport on the former Manston airport site.
As a resident of Ramsgate, I ask you to thoroughly consider the location and history of failed past airports at this site. Manston's geographical remoteness, on the NE Kent peninsular, and Thanet/Kent's lack of suitable infrastructure to support excessive national freight. strongly suggest that other suitable airports, with better motorway access, such as Lakenheath, offer RSP far better alternatives to the Manston site.
Manston airport closed in 2014, after 15 years, with a reported loss of £100m, not once making a profit. The current airfreight sector is not a growth market in the UK.
The impact on Ramsgate and surrounding towns and villages will be critically severe. We remain among the most deprived areas in the country, yet since the closing of Manston airport in 2014, our tourism has significantly increased. On this trade we are reliant yet this will be negatively impacted by congested access routes, noise and air pollution should the airport go ahead.
Ramsgate has over 450 listed sites and buildings which will be effected by noise and vibration. Already, in the past we have endured the detrimental effects of Manston Airport. Resident's quality of lives will again, greatly deteriorate as our physical health, mental health, schooling, house prices, lack of investment and tourists are impacted, as Ramsgate and surrounding areas become less desirable, less clean and less peaceful places to live. Our lives will be challenged personally and collectively; economically and environmentally; neighbours have discussed moving if the airport goes ahead.