An abandoned airport boasting the UK's 11th-longest civilian runway has encountered a significant obstacle ahead of its long-anticipated reopening. Plans to restore Manston Airport, near Ramsgate in Kent, back to full operation have been in motion since 2019, with the project anticipated to cost between £500 million and £750 million.
Background and Current Status
The site has stood idle since 2014 but was given a new lease of life during the Covid-19 pandemic as a lorry park. Current owner RiverOak Strategic Partners Ltd (RSP) is aiming to relaunch the airport as a global air freight hub, alongside offering commercial flights by 2029. In March, RSP launched a public consultation on the proposals. Its director, Tony Freudmann, invited people to 'provide any feedback they might have to help shape our plans.' At that point, the firm anticipated construction work beginning early next year.
However, in May, Ramsgate Town Council announced it would raise concerns over proposed changes to flight paths and airspace as part of the Stage 3 consultation. Shuttered since 2014, the site was temporarily repurposed as a lorry park during the pandemic. RSP acquired Manston in 2019, with the Development Consent Order (DCO) granting approval for the reopening signed off in 2020. This faced legal challenges, though an updated DCO was approved in 2022.
Council's Objections
Ramsgate Town Council contended that the proposed flight paths would result in aircraft passing over heavily populated areas of Ramsgate at low altitudes. It was noted in the proposals that the airport could see up to 14,000 air traffic movements a year by 2038—about 38 flights a day. The council highlighted the potential impact this could have on residents.
RTC highlighted potential adverse health consequences stemming from noise exposure, as outlined in the proposal. These include disrupted sleep, a heightened risk of strokes and heart attacks, loss of amenity and possible links to dementia. In fact, the applicant's own plans put the potential cost of noise-related health conditions at more than £20.8 million over 10 years.
RTC said it had further concerns, too. It argued that the size of the intended operations is much larger in scale compared to past levels. RTC also suggested that there was a lack of evidence regarding secured funds or operators. Also, it claimed demand had not been independently verified. In addition, the council didn't believe that the consultation was sufficient for the size of the proposal, citing a limited number of engagement events.
Official Response
RTC chairperson Cllr Steve Albon told The Isle of Thanet News: 'Ramsgate Town Council recognises the importance of this issue to residents and is committed to ensuring that local concerns are clearly and professionally represented. The council will continue to engage with relevant authorities and stakeholders to try to ensure that any decisions relating to Manston Airport fully consider the impact on Ramsgate's community.'
The reopening could cost as much as £750 million, and the future of the project now hinges on addressing these concerns. As the consultation process continues, both RSP and the council will need to find common ground to move forward with the ambitious plan.
