South Thanet MP, Craig Mackinlay, has welcomed the move by the Government’s Planning Inspectorate (PINs) to agree to examine plans to reopen Manston Airport four years after it closed.
The decision boosts campaigners’ hopes to turn Manston Airport – which closed in 2014 – into a cargo hub potentially generating a substantial number of jobs.
The successful application for a Development Consent Order (DCO) was submitted by the consortium behind the proposal - RiverOak Strategic Partners (RSP) - after they withdrew a previous application.
The DCO seeks development consent and compulsory acquisition powers over the land, including energy, transport, water and waste.
Craig Mackinlay MP commented:
“This is a very positive move forward on the road to bring back Manston.
“Most of these DCOs do get through so I am optimistic, although there will now have to be an examination inquiry which could be protracted because of environmental concerns and the issue of a valuation of the site.
“The application will also have to be considered in the context of the recently adopted Local Plan which recognised the site for aviation use and will improve the prospects of success.
“Thanet Conservatives have been working hard with RSP to make progress on the Manston issue and so I’m delighted that another significant hurdle has now been crossed.”