Manston’s night flight proposals are opposed by 73% (by 89% of those under flight path)
The majority of people living near Manston Airport are against plans to operate more night flights, research by Thanet District Council has suggested. They say 73% of 2,000 residents questioned were against the proposal of the owners, Infratil. People cited potential noise levels and disturbance to sleep as their primary reasons for objecting. The airport is desperate to get some night flights for freight, to try and make a bit of money, and say they have to be given some “flexibility”. The Thanet District Council report goes to Cabinet on Thursday 10th May and will then be considered at an Extraordinary meeting of Full Council on Thursday 24th May. Canterbury City councillors have concluded that flights between 23:00 and 07:00 were ‘not justified’ given strong opposition from Herne Bay residents, and they will submit a formal objection.
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Kent’s Manston Airport night flights plan ‘opposed’
30.3.2012 (BBC)
The majority of people living near Manston Airport in Kent are against plans to operate more night flights, council research has suggested.
Thanet District Council said 73% of 2,000 residents questioned were against the proposal of the owners, Infratil.
They cited potential noise levels and disturbance to sleep as their primary reasons for objecting.
Manston’s chief executive Charles Buchanan said he was “rather surprised” by the results.
He said the majority of people who had contacted the airport were in favour of night flights.
‘Desperately needed’
“All we are asking for is a limited, managed and mitigated amount of night-time flying,” he said.
“If we are going to attract airlines that are going to provide the travel services that people want, and provide the jobs that are so desperately needed in east Kent, we must have some flexibility.”
Clive Hart, the council’s Labour leader, said: “I very much hope the airport will take on board the thoughts and feelings of the people of Thanet.”
The airport currently deals with passenger and commercial aircraft with a runway capable of taking Boeing 747s and Airbus A380s.
Its refurbished terminal is capable of handling up to 700,000 passengers a year.
Earlier this month, Infratil announced plans to sell Manston Airport, near Ramsgate, and Glasgow’s Prestwick Airport.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-17560154
Council to object to Manston Airport night flights plan
08.04.12
Canterbury City Council has challenged plans for night flights at Kent’s Manston Airport, the Herne Bay Times reports. City councillors held a meeting to discuss the latest plans on Thursday and concluded that flights between 23:00 and 07:00 were ‘not justified’ given strong opposition from Herne Bay residents.
In a district-wide survey, 80% of the 230 replies were against night flights, with 20% saying that they could boost the economy and create jobs, economic growth and regeneration.
The council members voted to submit a formal objection.
http://www.uk-airport-news.info/kent-airport-news-080412.html
Thanet rejects Manston night flights
More than 2,000 residents air their views
More than 2,000 residents took the time to air their views as part of the council’s public consultation on proposals for regular night-time flying at Manston Airport. The majority were opposed to the implementation of regular night-time flying, with approximately 73% opposed, 26% in favour and 1% not clearly stating a position.
The main reasons given by those who were opposed were:
- the likely disturbance to sleep
- the effect on health and quality of life
- unacceptable noise levels
- the likely detrimental impact on the local economy
- overstating the potential economic benefits.
Those in favour stated the reasons for their support as including:
- jobs/employment opportunities
- regeneration of Thanet
- their desire for the airport to develop
- night flights needed to ensure the future viability of the airport
- Airport has been there for many years
The responses were also analysed by area to ensure that the council gathers the views of those who live under the identified flight path, those who live within Thanet and those from outside of Thanet. The results were approximately as follows:
Leader of Thanet District Council, Cllr. Clive Hart, said:
“Firstly I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to take part in this consultation. We know that it’s such an important issue for local people and that’s clearly reflected in the high level of response. The feedback from this consultation will now be considered by Councillors, alongside the findings of the Independent Assessment completed by Parsons Brinckerhoff and the proposed policy itself, to agree the council’s consultation response to Infratil.
I am sure every Councillor will be carefully analysing these results to see what residents have said, before we finalise our response.”
A report is due to be considered by members of the Airport Working Party on Wednesday 4th April. The report then goes to Scrutiny on Tuesday 24th April, Cabinet on Thursday 10th May and will then be considered at an Extraordinary meeting of Full Council on Thursday 24th May.
http://www.hernebaymatters.com/nonightflights-blog/thanet-rejects-manston-night-flights.html
See also No Night Flights comment on the
Thanet Airport Working Party 4th April
http://www.hernebaymatters.com/nonightflights-blog/thanet-airport-working-party-4th-april.html
and
Sparks fly over AWP fiasco
http://www.hernebaymatters.com/nonightflights-blog/sparks-fly-over-awp-fiasco.html