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This is an extract from the TDC Local Plan. -------------------------- The withdrawal of the MoD from Manston Airfield has created an unusual situation in planning terms. The Airfield is an extensive brown-field (ie. previously developed) site in the centre of the island, for which new uses need to be found. The Airport is potentially a major employment generator and an important catalyst for economic regeneration, not just within Thanet, but also across East Kent. In particular, the scale and focus of airport development need to be considered. In some cases, former military airfields have been taken out of active use and redeveloped for other uses, such as housing or industry . As far as Manston is concerned, the Airport is now in private ownership and is being operated as an Airport. The Council believes that the continued active use of ,the Airport is the most appropriate course for the site. It would also be of great benefit to the economic regeneration of the area, strengthening the potential success of the business parks. It is increasingly the case that direct linkages to airport facilities enhance the attractiveness of business parks to potential investors. In addition, it has been estimated that, for every 1 million airport passengers, some 500 jobs are created in the local economy. Within this general framework, there are three main options: A1:- To promote the airfield as a "general aviation" centre - this would involve training flights, small-business flights, operations such as aerial photography, and limited charter operations. This might lead to a greater number of individual flights, but creating less environmetal impact than a large scale commercial airport. However, the opportunity to develop this kind of operation is limited by the airport's distance from London, and the fact that other airports, closer to London, are also seeking to develop this approach. Given the existing facilities at the airport, this option could also be seen as a "lost opportunity" in economic development terms. A2:- To promote the airport as a regional airport - this would involve passenger and freight operations, and would effectively exclude some of the "general aviation" aspects. The balance between freight and passenger operations would vary as the airport developed. This approach is, likely to have a greater environmental impact than option (A1). However, the Council is in discussion with the airport operators to ensure that there is a proper balance between commercial requirements and local environmental and amenity concerns. It would also involve continued support for the building of new operational buildings around the Airport. This option would be most closely related to the council's economic development strategy and long term Vision. The Vision envisages Manston as a regional freight hub, handling some 10million passengers a year. A3:- To support the development of a national/international airport to compete with airports such Stansted and Gatwick - this would be a considerable larger operation than the regional option set out above. This option would obviously have much greater direct environmental impacts than options Al and A2, including potentially the development of "fresh land" near the airport. It would also be likely to result in higher levels of traffic congestion and associated problems for other parts of the local economy.
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