Council response on night-time flying

Although supportive of Manston Airport, Thanet District Council agreed
at Full Council last night (Thursday 24 May) that it could not support
the introduction of the airport’s proposed scheduled night-time
flying.

Councillors were considering the council’s consultation response to
proposals submitted by airport owners Infratil to introduce night flying
operations between 23:00 hours and 07:00 hours.

Concerns over the potential noise and environmental impacts, as well as
strong public feeling against night-time flying, meant the majority of
Councillors did not support the airport’s consultation proposals,
submitted to the council in October 2011.

As well as underestimating the potential negative impact, members also
felt that expert advice provided by Parsons Brinckerhoff in an
independent report, questioned the potential economic benefits.

Members took three votes on recommendations from Cabinet following
their meeting on Thursday 10 May. All three recommendations, as detailed
below, were approved:

1. That subject to any further comments that Council may wish to
make, Council agrees the consultation response to Manston airport’s
night time flying policy as set out at Annex 1 of the report.

2. That Council confirms that Thanet District Council fully
supports the day-time operation of Manston Airport but further
recommends that as a Consultee, the Council cannot support the
introduction of scheduled night-time flying operations between 23:00
hours and 07:00 hours for the following reasons:
a) The council’s consultation shows 73% of respondents are
opposed to night-time flying;
b) Noise and environmental impacts are underestimated;
c) The number of jobs generated and the economic benefits may be
overestimated;
d) The probable detrimental impact of night-time flying on
Thanet’s recovering Tourism Industry;
e) Concerns raised in the World Health Organisation’s assessment
of the impacts of disturbed sleep;
f) There is concern that the night-time flying proposals have not
considered Article 8 of the Human Rights Act;
g) The Airport would need to address whether the proposed
night-time flying policy constitutes a ‘plan or project’ for the
purposes of the Habitats Regulations and then follow the further
requirements of those regulations as relevant.

3. That Council authorises the Director of Community Services in
consultation with the Leader of the Council to provide final written
comments to Manston Airport incorporating any amendments considered
necessary.

Leader of Thanet District council, Cllr. Clive Hart, said: “Last
night’s decision follows months of careful consideration. After
listening to the concerns of local people across Thanet, and taking
expert advice on the proposals, we were clear that our response to
Manston could not support night-time flying. As a council we do support
the airport and recognise their position as a key local business in the
area, however this can’t be at any environmental cost.”

The council’s consultation response will now be submitted direct to
Manston Airport.