Representation by Jan Moriarty
- Date submitted
- 7 October 2018
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I am opposed to the re-opening of the site as a freight airport. I think the scheme will have a detrimental effect on the social and economic aspects of the area, particularly Ramsgate town. I do not believe that Riveroak has any interest in the benefiting the local area. If it did, it would not put profit ahead of the environmental, business and health needs of the local population. Flights will come in over Ramsgate town at low altitude, with all the noise and pollution that brings. Not only do I think that this is not safe, I also think this will have a catastrophic effect on tourism, in particular the town's heritage status, and hence a negative impact on people's livelihoods. This would essentially counteract the socioeconomic benefits Riveroak states that it wishes to create. There is no hard evidence given in the Business Case of the demand for an additional freight hub for the UK. There is much mention of potential, but this is based on supposition. Airlines and freight forwarders are mentioned as in support, but there is no mention of how many and who they are. Therefore, I oppose the opening of Manston as a freight airport for environmental, health and socioeconomic reasons.