Representation by Ruth Baird
- Date submitted
- 5 October 2018
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
Manston as an airport has failed every time it has been run commercially. The new people putting the planning application in cannot state clearly where their funds will come from. They have no clear plan just projections and aims. They also have a previous record in property development rather than running airports successfully. When I moved to the area 5 years ago, the airport was still operational but it was always cheaper and more flexible to drive to Gatwick or Stanstead. what they are proposing to open is a 24/7 cargo hub which will pollute Ramsgate and Herne Bay with noise as stated in their own planning application. I work from home when not commuting and my work, my health and wellbeing would be devastated by the noise and air pollution that would come from a 24/7 cargo hub. The impact that creating the Cargo Hub will have on Ramsgate will be devastating. I have seen the tourist industry thrive over the last 6 years. No-one will want to come if there will be 17,000 planes flying overhead, that low, each year. Many people have invested in homes and started businesses in the last 6 years, knowing that there is not a functioning airport near-by. Many other airports are closer to road networks and have facilities in place to expand for further increases in business. The UK does not need Manston to become an Airport/ Cargo Hub; it needs space to build houses and for people to invest their lives in. The proposed 24/7 cargo hub is too far from the M25 to be a viable proposition for freight. The HGV's that will be necessary for moving fuel and freight to and from Manston will clog the roads and be too much for the duel carriageway from the A299 up to the M2/A2 towards the M25. As a commuter, this will affect my journey to work and back at any time of the day or night. We need houses and further business premises that will provide job opportunities in Thanet. SHP who own the land already, have clear plans for houses, schools, community centres, business and leisure facilities already in place. SHP has a £1 billion, mixed use plan for the site, creating 4,000 jobs in the process.