Thanet council asked by airport workers to issue a Compulsory Purchase Order for Manston Airport

Date added: 21 May, 2014

Thanet council says it cannot yet say whether or not it would have the power to acquire Manston airport through a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO). The supporters of Manston, and the employees who have lost their jobs, want the council to do so. They delivered a petition to Thanet council’s offices in Margate, urging the local authority to issue a CPO. The council has confirmed the deputy leader had requested an officer report to set out the council’s options. The report will consider if a CPO would be a viable consideration, given the extensive costs and liabilities for the taxpayer that this would involve. Thanet council has said supports activity that retains the existing footprint of the airport as an airport. It has downplayed reports that the site was to be redeveloped for housing, though this is thought to be likely. The council leader will meet the airport’s owner, Ann Gloag, in the coming weeks to discuss the airport’s future.
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Manston airport: Thanet council says it cannot yet issue Compulsory Purchase Order as protesters set to march in Margate

21 May 2014

by Paul Francis (Kent Messenger)

Thanet council says it cannot yet say whether or not it would have the power to acquire Manston airport through a Compulsory Purchase Order.

It comes after protesters marched on Margate on Wednesday calling on the council to act.

In a statement, the council confirmed the deputy leader of the council, Cllr Richard Nicholson, had requested an officer report to set out the council’s options.

Manston airport has closed

The report will consider if a CPO would be a viable consideration, given the extensive costs and liabilities this would involve.

Meanwhile, the Labour leader of the council Cllr Iris Johnston is to meet Manston airport owner Ann Gloag in the coming weeks, along with key representatives, to discuss the airport’s future.

The council statement said: “Until cabinet has considered the officer report, and the council leader has met with the owner, the council will not be in a position to determine whether a CPO is a viable consideration or not.”

It added: “The council has been clear that it supports activity that retains the existing footprint of the airport as an airport, and was disappointed that recent bids to save Manston were not successful.”

The authority also downplayed reports that the site was to be redeveloped for housing.

It said: “The council is also keen to dismiss recent inaccurate reports regarding discussions between the council and airport owners to develop housing on the existing footprint of the airport.”

http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent-business/county-news/manston-airport-compulsary-purchase-17531/

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Manston airport supporters hand petition to Thanet council

By Tom Barnes (Isle of Thanet Gazette)
May 21, 2014

cecilstreet

Protesters handed in a petition signed by some 4,000 people

CAMPAIGNERS protesting the closure of Manston airport delivered a petition to Thanet council’s offices in Margate, urging the local authority to issue a Compulsory Purchase Order on the site.

Around 40 airport supporters, including former staff members, marched from the Parade on Margate seafront to the council offices in Cecil Street.

A petition signed by more than 4,000 people was accepted by a council security guard outside the building.

Protesters called for council leader Iris Johnston to talk with them, although it was unclear whether she was even inside the offices at the time.Gary Easton, a former EU Jet worker whose wife had been employed at Manston for 25 years prior to the closure, said: “It was an excellent turnout considering people have been at work.“I was born in Ramsgate and the airport is a beacon of hope in a deprived area of Kent. Thanet council need to step up to the plate, I just hope they’re batting for Thanet.“My wife would have been here today but she had to have chemotherapy that she already put off to be at the closure, otherwise she would have been here supporting everyone as well.”Thanet council has ordered an officer report to determine whether a CPO would be a viable option to reopen the airport.Cllr Johnston will meet Manston owner Ann Gloag in the coming weeks to discuss the possible ways forward.

http://www.thanetgazette.co.uk/Manston-airport-supporters-hand-petition-Thanet/story-21120139-detail/story.html

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Covenants offer no hope of fighting homes at Manston Airport

By Isle of Thanet Gazette

: May 16, 2014

RUMOURS of covenants prohibiting development on land at Manston airport appear to be unfounded.

In the Land Registry deeds from the £10 million sale to Infratil in 2005, there are a number of covenants listed – but none stating development shall not take place.

A large number relate to drains and electricity supplies and where cabling can be placed. Others date back to the early 20th century and forbid mining for minerals and the sale/consumption or brewing of alcohol.

Allusion to building homes comes in clause 5, which prohibits the construction of houses or shops worth less than £300 (detached) or £450 (for a pair) on main road plots, or £200 (detached) or £350 (for a pair) on the other plots.

Thanet council asked by airport workers to issue a Compulsory Purchase Order for Manston Airport

Manston airport: Thanet council says it cannot yet issue Compulsory Purchase Order as protesters set to march in Margate

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Manston airport supporters hand petition to Thanet council

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Covenants offer no hope of fighting homes at Manston Airport

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