Councillor backs CARMA campaign calling for more openness on proposed new Manston Airport flight paths.
Ramsgate councillor David Green is backing CARMA’s campaign petition asking the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for more transparency on new flight paths plans for Manston Airport. The site was granted Govt planning permission in 2020 to operate as a cargo hub.
Cllr Green has raised concerns over the transparency of consultations, which so far have taken place on an invite-only basis and are already at an advanced stage.
Maps of the proposed flight paths from the airport developers show cargo planes flying over many towns and villages in East Kent.
The developers claim these new routes have been shared with key stakeholders who can “offer early views on behalf of their local communities, including elected community representatives”. But Cllr Green is not convinced. “The consultations I have been to have been sparsely attended by councillors and local representatives from East Kent. You have to ask if the relevant community representatives are being properly informed.”
Flightpath maps from the CAA consultation show up to 30 towns and villages could be at risk from cargo plane noise and pollution under the proposed new flightpaths.
Towns and villages at risk include: Ramsgate, Margate, Broadstairs, Sandwich, Deal, St Nicholas at Wade, Sturry, Ash, Wingham, Herne Bay, Beltinge, Swalecliff, Cliffsend, Eastry, Betteshanger, Sarre, Preston, Shottendon, Challock, Kingsdown, Folkestone, Birchington, St Peters, North Foreland, Cliftonville, Westgate, St Margaret’s at Cliffe, Fordwich, Wickhambreaux, South Foreland, Monkton, Chillenden, Folkestone and Canterbury.
Cllr Green has written to all parish councils asking if they have been contacted regarding the new flightpaths which will affect the towns and villages they represent. He says: “I will pass any information I receive on to the relevant bodies.”
LEGAL CHALLENGE
Support the Judicial Review challenging the Govt decision to grant planning permission for Manston Airport. Donate to the JR crowdfund here: https://tinyurl.com/26mwy5x