Representation by Alex Roper
- Date submitted
- 7 October 2018
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
To Whom It May Concern,
I grew up in Minster, Thanet less than 500 metres from Manston Airport runway, I now rent and work in Peckham, South-East London however I still have very strong ties to the local area with lots of friends and family living and working around Thanet and East Kent.
I visit my parents in Minster every few weeks, my girlfriend and I love to unwind and relax in the peaceful countryside and escape our busy lives in London. This simply will not be possible with noisy planes taking off and landing all hours of the day.
I've also been thrilled to see the re-emergence of Ramsgate and Margate as genuine tourist destinations to rival the likes of Brighton. Most of my friends in London visited Thanet at some point over the summer, drawn by the emerging creative scene in Margate and the beautiful Harbour in Ramsgate. It's great to see Thanet finally getting the recognition it deserves.
Since I love the area so much, I am currently saving to buy a house in Ramsgate in a few years (London houses are unaffordable and I could easily commute from Ramsgate)
If the airport were to re-open I would be forced to buy a house, settle and start a family elsewhere, I can't live close to an airport with the associated noise, pollution and health concerns.
I have friends in Thanet employed by the creative and hospitality industries, both of which would be hit hard by RiverOak's plan. Thanet is a deprived area which is finally gaining some momentum, people like me are looking to move back to the area to appreciate the peaceful way of life, beautiful beaches, cool bars and great restaurants. Please don't kill this dream in favour of RiverOak's plan.