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MANSTON AIRPORT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE
MINUTES of the MEETING held on 6 DECEMBER 1999 7.30pm
at MANSTON AIRPORT
Present:
Sir Alistair Hunter Chairman
Tessa Sherriff
Secretary
Oliver Iny
Wiggins Group pIc
Tony Freudmann Wiggins Group plc
Alastair Robertson Airport Managing Director
John F'ullarton
Kent Count Council
Barry Coppock Thanet District Council
David Jillings
Thanet District council
Dennis Hart
Thanet District Council
Sam Hodgson
Acol Parish Council
John Garland
Birchington Parish Council
Andrew Baker
Manston Parish Council
Ray Razzell
Minster Parish Council
Martin Tapp
St Nicholas-at-Wade Parish Council
Nicholas Cole
Monkton Parish Council
Ian Minter
Thanet Chamber of Commerce
John Elliott
Pfizer Ltd
Peter Binding
Manston Airport Group
John Fisher
Canterbury City Council
John Bragg
Dover District Council
Mike Kruger
MK Airlines
Robert Howard MK Airlines
1. Apologies and Welcome
- Apologies for absence were received from
Tony Gould Transport & General Workers Union.
Stephen Sadler South East England Development Agency
- The Chairman began by welcoming the airline representatives, Mike Kruger and Robert Holland, both from MK Airlines, who were attending for the first time. Also welcomed were over 100 members of the public who had come to listen.
- At the Chairman's invitation, Committee members introduced themselves, indicating which body they represented.
2. Minutes
The Minutes of the Meeting held on 27 September 1999, having previously been
circulated, were accented and siQned bv the Chairman as a true record.
3. Matters Arising
There were no matters arising that would not be covered as separate items on the Agenda.
4. Keeping the Community Informed
- i. The Chairman reported that he and the Secretary had received a few complaints from members of the public that they were not being kept adequately in touch with the Committee's proceedings. In all such cases, they had told the Committee member representing the locality in question. This served as a reminder to all members that they were on the Committee to represent the interests of certain groups whom they needed to keep informed , as best they could.
- Many members of the public did not know who their local representative on the Committee was. Both the Chairman and Secretary had made strenuous attempts to get publicity for the Committee and would continue to do so, despite disappointing results to date. Cllr Dennis Hart suggested the Council Offices be contacted with a view to publicity being given in the publication
"Thanet Matters " that was distributed with free local newspapers.
AGREED the Secretary make enquiries. However, Sam Hodgson pointed out that Acol village does not receive either of the two free local publications.
- There was also discussion of those localities where representation was still unclear. In response to a query from the Chairman, Cllr Barry Coppock said he was more than satisfied
that Broadstairs and Margate, as well as Ramsgate, were adequately represented by TDC representatives, and in these early stages of the Committee, he was quite content with current attempts to inform the public.
- However, Cllr John Fullarton, (representing KCC,. also resident and Mayor of Broadstairs) felt that a member of their Town Council would better represent Broadstairs residents.
AGREED that the Chairman would discuss further with Cllr Fullarton and with
TDC whether representation of Broadstairs and Margate was adequate, or whether further representatives should be invited to join the Committee.
- As regards feedback to communities, Cllr John Bragg stated that he reported back- to Sandwich and Dover District Council and that the Director of Economic Development was kept informed. John Fisher pointed out that he was not an elected representative of Canterbury City Council and therefore had no link with the parish councils. The Chairman asked him to consider with the City Council how their parish councils could be kept informed.
- The Chairman requested that committee representatives should report back to the bodies they represented and publicise the existence
of MACC.
5. Situation Report
- Tony Freudmann reported that Manchester Airport consultants had been appointed to advise on putting into operation the recommendations made in the Melrose Report. The two key parts of this work were noise and air pollution monitoring. The Manchester group was to supervise the installation and monitoring of such equipment, and analyse the results. Alan Melrose would be meeting the Wiggins team on 10 December to present proposals. In addition to fixed monitoring points as required by regulations (at each end of the runway, 6.5km from start of roll), there would be mobile equipment to take readings in sensitive areas.
- Regarding the publicised ,requirement of 20, acres of new apron space, Mr Freudmann said various procedures had to be followed before the work could be carried out, but subject to that; he expected the work to begin in February , 2000. Twenty acres in respect
of an airport was a relatively small area, and it was required at Manston as the existing apron space was scattered around the airfield in accordance with military requirements and was inappropriate for civilian use. Though the new apron space was mainly needed for the more efficient operation of existing flights, it would provide some capacity for additional flights.
- Construction of a 30,000sq.ft hangar for MK Airlines was also proposed. This would enable MK to service their aircraft at Manston rather than having to fly elsewhere for servicing, thereby reducing the number of flights in and out of Manston.
- Plans for upgrading the Passenger Terminal on the existing site were continuing.
- Tony Freudmann said that, as was public knowledge, MEPC planned to construct hangars on the Northern Grass for support services and the maintenance of aircraft. The effect of these developments on the number of aircraft movements would be minimal.
- Alastair Robertson informed the meeting that a Complaints Line had been installed that day using the original Airport number (01843 823333). Callers would hear an
answer-phone message asking them to leave their name and address, in response to which a complaints form would be reach them within 48hrs. Responses to completed forms would be made within 14 days. The Airport management was arranging for details of the complaints procedure to be advertised in the local press. The complaints form had been varied slightly, and copies were available from Thanet District Council. Supplies would be available to Parish Councils and local areas within the next few weeks. Complaints would be recorded and analysed on a month by month basis in co-operation with Thanet District Council. Posters advertising the Complaints Line were being printed, and would be made available to Committee members to use in their areas.
- Martin Tapp requested that MACC should receive at each meeting a list and analysis of complaints Alastair Robertson agreed to supply this.
- Cllr Nicholas Cole thought that 14 days for answering complaints was too long Alastair Robertson said this was the maximum, but would sometimes be needed if a comprehensive reply was to be provided.
- The Chairman said the important thing was that the complaints line was up and running He hoped the speed and quality of replies would gradually be improved eg as noise monitoring equipment started to produce useful data.
- Cllr Barry Coppock read a statement from TDC concerning the proposed 20 acres of concrete apron This stated that when the Council received the submission it would have to decide whether the proposal could be treated as permitted development or if a planning application was required The decision would be based on an assessment of the likely environmental effects of the proposed development. It did not follow automatically that an Environmental Impact Assessment was required simply because the development involved a large area of concrete. It was for the Council to consider the case put by the developer and to assess whether there would be direct environmental consequences
and, if there were, whether they would be of such significance as to warrant an EIA. If the Council concluded that there were any significant consequences, then an EIA would be required for the development and automatically a planning application would also be required If the Council concluded there were no significant consequences, an EIA would not be required and the developer would only have to consult with the Council, but not seek a formal planning permission The need or otherwise for an EIA would be assessed in accordance with the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 1999 and the advice given in the DETR Circular 02/99)
- Martin Tapp referred to Tony Freudmann's statement in the September Minutes
(page 4 item
ix) that the Master Plan would be followed by an Environmental Impact Assessment, and then a Section 106 agreement with TDC What would now happen to this timetable?
Tony Freudrnann responded by stating that, on adoption of the Master Plan, Wiggins would be commissioning a series of reports on different environmental issues which, taken together, would give an assessment of the environmental impact of the main proposals In his statement referred to,
he had not meant an Environmental Impact Assessment within the strict definition of 1999 Regulations.
- Peter Binding said the impression had been given that a full EIA on the whole airport development would be carried out, not a series of smaller items. Was there going to be a
full EIA on the whole airport, and if so when? Tony Freudmann said he had been referring to the creation of a dossier of assessments relating to separate areas such as traffic flow, drainage, rail
connection etc. and which would in effect in due course constitute full environmental impact assessment.
- In response to a question from John Garland, Wiggins and TDC representatives confirmed that the EIA would be an ongoing document, to be reviewed regularly in the light of new airport developments. Cllr Barry Coppock felt people should have confidence in the fact that Wiggins were on record as having pledged an ongoing
EIA.
- Peter Binding expressed concern that, if TDC were to authorise the concreting and hangar projects without a full consultation process on the grounds that it fell within the terms of the General Permitted Development Order, the projects could nevertheless lead to an increased throughput of aircraft, possibly even including night flights. Tony Freudmann, in reply, pointed out that Wiggins were required to tell TDC, in making their application, what the purpose of the proposed developments was. If, to take an extreme example, they were to say that it "was for a continuous 24hr operation, they would expect the Council to" require an EIA. Cllr Barry Coppock pointed out that the Section 106 Agreement would be concluded after a decision on the concreting had been taken, and therefore would take that into account.
- Cllr John Bragg said he hoped that the Section 106 Agreement would deal with the measurement of noise, which was what most concerned residents, as well as other consequences of the airport's continuing development. The Chairman suggested that discussion of this subject be continued under Item 7 of the Agenda.
- Alastair Robertson, continuing his report, said that the Airport management was trying to divert
flight-paths away from St Nicholas over less inhabited areas to the north, and south to Dover. (Martin Tapp commented, however, that they were now going over his house, and it would be better if misery could be shared by varying
flight-paths).
- Alastair Robertson confirmed that the ILS (instrument landing system) was in operation, and hoped that a second ILS to control landings in an easterly direction, would shortly be in place.
- In answer to a question from Cllr Dennis Hart, Tony Freudmann confirmed that discussions regarding possible passenger flights were continuing, but flights could not be introduced until the additional concreting was complete, enabling passengers to be kept separate from cargo areas.
6. Environmental Working Group Minutes
- Alastair Robertson explained to members of the public present the situation regarding breaking of aircraft on Northern Grass. (as in EWG minutes). Asked by Peter Binding whether the ban on further breaking would affect Air Atlanta's business at its Nethercourt premises, Mr Robertson said he did not know. The Chairman pointed out that this subject was outside the Committee's remit, but he assumed that TDC representatives had taken note of Mr Binding's question.
- Peter Binding asked about hush-kitting of DC8's using the airport. Mike Kruger said that hush kits would be fitted by February 2000. He confirmed that hush-kitted aircraft would more than comply with regulations that Chapter 2 aircraft be phased out by 2002. It was not true that old aircraft were noisier or smellier than newer ones: all aircraft had to achieve the same standards to be certificated. In answer to a question, he explained the difference between Stage 2 and Chapter 2.
- Mike Kruger also confirmed, in answer to a question, that no UK airports banned Chapter 2 aircraft. Tony Freudmann added that it would be illegal for any airport to ban them before 2002. Mr Kruger said that
any aircraft, whether Chapter 2 or Chapter 3, could be fined if they exceeded noise limits. Asked why aircraft were noisier at some times than others, he said that noise was affected by factors such as wind and temperature.
7. Section 106 agreement
- Cllr Barry Coppock read a statement from the Leader of TDC, as follows:
"Wiggins have submitted a 1st draft for progress towards a 106
agreement. This arrived at TDC on 19th November as per the agreed timetable.
"TDC will begin responding and negociating with Wiggins. TDC have appointed Alan Stratford & Associates (ASA) (aviation specialists) to give specialist advice to TDC to ensure our responses are correct and a suitable 106 is drafted, then MACC will be invited to input into the consultation. The 106 will then be finalised and signed. The target is for the end of February 2000, but the 4 week period will govern the actual final date though both sides will endeavour to complete by the end of February.
- The Chairman said he had hoped it might have been possible for a draft to be discussed at the meeting. But there would have been no point in discussing a draft from one side before the other side had confirmed that it was content with the broad outline. The. Committee would not normally be meeting again until March, but in view of the timetable outlined by TDC it would be necessary to hold a special meeting to discuss the draft, probably in the second half of January .
- Cllr Coppock said that although he hoped that the timetable he had outlined could be adhered to, some delay could not be ruled out.
- AGREED that the Secretary would circulate with the minutes proposed dates for a special meeting; and that TDC would meanwhile keep the Chairman informed of developments over the timetable.
8. Any Other Business
- Asked by Peter Binding what insurance was in place in the event of an accident, Tony Freudmann confirmed that the airport was insured for £500m.
- Alastair Robertson apologised that pressure of business had prevented him from arranging a tour of the airport for members, promised for November. He would arrange it as soon as possible.
- The Chairman thanked members of the public for coming to the meeting, and for accepting that this was a meeting for conducting business and not involving public participation.
9. Date of Next Meeting
To be announced, depending on progress with the Section 106 agreement.
There being no further business, the meeting closed at 9.10pm approx.
MINUTES.DEC99
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