NEW NIGHT TIME FLYING APPLICATION

Thanet District Council has received a formal application for night time
flying from Manston Airport.

The documents submitted by Infratil, owners of the airport, detail
proposals for a new night-time flying policy and also include an
aircraft noise assessment report and economic assessment, which are
technical reports, explaining the implications of the proposal.  The
documents were submitted to the council late yesterday (Thursday 27
October).

This application follows on from previous proposals for night time
flying which were submitted to the council by the airport in September
2010.

The council will now seek an independent assessment of the proposals
and technical reports by an external company before public consultation
on the proposal can begin.

A full consultation process is proposed to run for a minimum of 12
weeks to ensure that people have the chance to have their say.  The
starting date of the consultation will be announced on completion of the
independent report.

Leader of the Council, Cllr. Bob Bayford, said: “The council is
committed to ensuring that local people have plenty of opportunity to
comment on these proposals.  We know this is a hugely important issue,
especially for those living under the flight path, so will be providing
a minimum consultation period of 12 weeks for people to have their say. 
Before this process begins we will be seeking an independent assessment
of Infratil’s supporting reports, and will publish the findings. 
I’d like to encourage everyone with a view to ensure they take the
time to participate”.

Full details of the consultation will be published on the council’s
website on completion of the independent assessment.