Representation by Homeowners Against Manston Cargo Hub
- Date submitted
- 8 October 2018
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I started the Facebook group Homeowners Against Manston Cargo Hub in September, as a response to the great and growing concern in Ramsgate at RSP's proposal to open a 24/7 cargo hub at Manston. Property owners joined to express their fears over 'the significant adverse effect' (as RSP state in their DCO application) it would have on their homes, health and happiness.
People are drawn to Ramsgate because of the beaches, clean air and quality of light, which override the more challenging aspects of a neglected town centre. We are not spoilt ‘NIMBYs’ trying to protect an illusion of paradise. We have worked hard to buy somewhere to raise a family, or a live-work space, or a sanctuary in retirement. Our homes are now at risk from the damage and potential danger of large-scale freight hub seeking an unlimited capacity for flights at night.
Some of those in favour of the airport, including Thanet's two MPs, repeat two mantras when these genuine fears are expressed. For the first mantra, I quote [Redacted] from a letter dated 24/9/2018: 'There can be no one who has moved to the area unaware there was an operational airport or an airport that had a likelihood of reopening'. The second mantra is: 'If you don't like it, move.’
In answer to the first mantra, Manston Airport closed in May 2014. Anyone buying after that date bought near a small, disused, bankrupt air field. There was no suggestion (at least in the public domain) that there were plans to reopen it. There is a myth that it will somehow reopen in its old form, principally offering a few passenger flights, but reality is that would be no more commercially viable now than it was then, resulting in its closure. To have a chance of commercial success, RSP would depend on night flights. NO ONE in Thanet ever bought property near a 24/7 cargo hub.
As for mantra 2, 'moving' would be unlikely to be an option. In their DCO application, RSP are seeking a limitless number of night flights, including planes so polluting, they are not allowed in Heathrow. They themselves admit it would have a 'significant adverse effect' on Ramsgate and the villages. By year 2, at least 11,356 homes would experience 80 decibels [para 12.7.55, 28th bundle] and the consequent detrimental effect on physical and mental health due to disturbed sleep, as well as the risk to roofs, tiles and windows.
There is no mention from RSP of compensation for the many grade-2 listed houses under the flight path, which would be unable to fit double or triple glazing. Homeowners cannot be expected to suffer this, nor to pick up the bill for their lives being made a misery by noise pollution. In short, RSP should be made to consider compensation or the purchase of homes under the flight path which will lose their value through no fault of their owners.
In the past few years, Ramsgate has seen an upsurge in new residents, attracted by its coastal location, beautiful (if dilapidated) properties and high-speed rail link. They travel to earn money, but return to spend it in Thanet. The result is a much-needed regeneration of property and boost to the local economy. Cargo planes coming in to land day and night will put a stop to anyone wanting to move here and those in a position to do so will move away, calling a tragic halt to the area's growth and renewal.
A 24/7 cargo hub would be severely detrimental to the value of property. People who have invested heavily in homes here risk negative equity and loss of pension plans, with no recompense. When Manston was operational pre-2014, residents on the flight path suffered damage to their roofs, tiles and chimneys. When I sought the opinion of a leading insurer, I was told it was impossible to assess risk until the cargo hub opened, but once it did and several claims were made, there was a strong possibility that they would not be able to offer buildings insurance, which would render properties unsellable.
Many self-employed people here work from their homes - a cargo hub would destroy the ability to do that. Making calls, holding online conferences, teaching, counselling, writing or creating art, would be impossible with that level of noise overhead, as well as the lack of concentration that is the inevitable consequence of broken sleep.
Gardens would be blighted by the noise, smell and dirt of aviation and the bird population, which has increased significantly since the closure of Manston, would disappear.