Representation by Rita Pattenden
- Date submitted
- 5 October 2018
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I am concerned at the proposal to establish a cargo hub operating 24/7 , planes overhead day and night and the effect this will have on the surrounding areas, Ramsgate, Pegwell Bay, Manston, Minster, and St Nicholas at Wade . With regards to Pegwell Bay nature reserve . I am a volunteer there and am concerned at the detriment the reopening of the airport will have on this nature reserve. Livestock are permanently present there and rare species of bird regularly migrate to / from this haven. Constant airplane noise and pollution will have a negative effect on this reserve. The reserve is made up of ancient dune pasture and it has rare flora and fauna. Bird species such as Nightingale come to this reserve and I have heard cuckoos calling in Spring time.... along with other breeding bird species this is an amazing place to be with nature. Wading birds are particularity vulnerable to disturbance as they have limited periods to feed due to tides, constant noise of overhead flights would have an increasing level of disturbance to them .
Pollution from the proposed development will affect Thanet's population, many of whom are older and therefore likely to be affected by the increased air pollution. A primary school is located not far from the airport, thus children's health is also at risk.
In conclusion, I am very much concerned at the threat of night flights, noise and the impact on people's health due to the air pollution .
Manston has never "made it" as an airport , mainly due to its siting , it's 30 miles from the closest motorway, the M2 and is the main reason why it has failed as an airport in the past. It will continue to fail - it is not needed, wanted or required by the vast majority of the locals.