Representation by Paul Atkins
- Date submitted
- 8 October 2018
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I am writing to represent myself and my family in opposition for plans to implement a freight hub at Manston Airport by RiverOak Strategic Partners Ltd. My main opposition to this is that such a proposal and implementation will benefit the few and not the majority of the people living in Thanet as well as those in Ramsgate directly under its flight path. Having lived in Ramsgate and Thanet for 16 years I have had direct experience of living under the flightpath before when previous attempts to run Manston as an air freight hub were in force. I noted the direct negative effects of noise, pollution and congestion upon my family and the residents of Ramsgate. I noted health effects upon my children, Primary and Secondary schools in Ramsgate as well as learning difficulties encountered at school. We also experienced sleep deprivation as well as significant noise pollution to our non-working hours. We also noted direct negative effects of the freight hub to local business and tourism. Ramsgate is fast becoming a great place to live and work. Local business and tourism are increasing with investment in these the key to redeveloping the local infrastructure. It is my firm belief that this lastest proposal will severely damage the local economy through making Ramsgate a place that many people will want to leave. This proposal is in my opinion for short gain not long gain, and with recent news headlines concerning climate change I cannot possibly see how polluting our sky and roads with yet more freight will improve the daily lives of the many residents and visitors to this historic isle.