Council powerless to stop night flights
Our council may be powerless to prevent night flights at Manston Airport it has been announced
The story (covered by ThisIsKent (below)) refers to a paragraph in a recent independent report commissioned by our council. It would seem that a weakly worded section 106 agreement may be to blame for this.
The report by Parsons Brinckerhoff Ltd says on page 14: It is important to note that the wording of the S106 makes it clear that whilst the Council will be consulted and their views will be assessed, if the airport decides not to adhere to any views or suggestions as to changes to the policy, they are under no obligation to do so.
THANET council could be powerless to stop night flights regardless of residents' views, it was revealed this week.Legal advice sought by the council on the application for limited flights between 11pm...
Given that the report by Parsons Brinckerhoff Ltd says: The analysis of the noise impacts have, in our opinion, resulted in an underestimation of the potential adverse impacts on residents in the area
this could be cause for some significant worry by people living under the flight path.
Furthermore even if night time flights become a regular and scheduled part of operations at the Manston Airport doubts have been raised as to weather this would create even one more job in the area says the independent assessment by Parsons Brinckerhoff Ltd.
Given that Manston Airport currently employs a proportionately large workforce for a small throughput, growth of passengers and freight in the short term may not necessarily lead to a significant employment and hence economic impact.
The council is currently seeking further advice.
