A recommendation report by the Planning Inspectorate over the development consent order for the Manston airport site has been sent to the Secretary of State today (October 18).
The report had been delayed due to final payment not being processed.
The Planning Inspectorate examining panel, led by Kelvin McDonald, examined the bid earlier this year that was made by Riveroak Strategic Partners to acquire the site and create a cargo hub and associated aviation business.
The land was owned by Stone Hill Park, which had submitted a planning application to create up to 3,700 homes, business and leisure and associated infrastructure. SHP sold the site to RSP subsidiary RiverOak MSE Ltd for £16.5 million in July, just days before the hearings concluded.
The sale contained a clause which means RSP cannot sell the land until 2029 unless SHP agree.
DCO approval is still needed for the cargo hub project, an issue which has split the isle. Supporters of the plan say it will bring jobs and economic benefits but campaigners against the proposals say it will result in pollution, noise and a loss of tourist trade – particularly in Ramsgate which is under the flight path.
During the hearings representations were made by a wide variety of organisations, including Thanet council and Historic England, campaign groups including Save Manston Airport association, Supporters of Manston Airport, No Night Flights and Nethercourt Action Group, numerous individuals and both Manston museums.
The Secretary of State now has three months in which to issue a decision. The decision letter and Recommendation Report will be published on the Planning Inspectorate Manston project page once a decision has been made.
