Council raises concerns over proposed Manston Airport flight paths and seeks independent expert advice
Ramsgate Town Council is raising serious concerns about the proposed changes to airspace and flight paths in connection with Manston Airport, as part of the current consultation being undertaken by RiverOak Strategic Partners (RSP).
The Council wishes to ensure that residents are aware of the potential impacts identified to date, and to confirm that these concerns will be formally raised with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), RSP, and local Members of Parliament.
At the same time, the Council recognises the technical complexity of aviation and airspace design. Members have therefore agreed to seek independent professional advice to ensure that any formal response submitted is robust, evidence-based, and accurately reflects the implications for Ramsgate.
Key concerns identified by the Council
Ramsgate Town Council’s draft response, prepared by Cllr Green for consideration by Members, sets out a number of significant concerns in relation to the proposals.
Low altitude flights over Ramsgate
Both proposed flight path options would result in aircraft regularly flying over densely populated areas of Ramsgate at very low altitudes, estimated at approximately 230 to 900 feet above ground level.
The proposals indicate a substantial increase in activity, with plans for up to 14,000 air traffic movements per year by 2038 (around 38 flights per day).
The Council notes that similar flight paths, when previously used at much lower levels of activity, caused significant disturbance to residents, including disruption to sleep, education and daily life.
Public health impacts of aircraft noise
The Council is particularly concerned by evidence within the applicant’s own documentation regarding the health impacts of aircraft noise.
The proposal identifies measurable health effects linked to increased noise exposure, including:
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Sleep disturbance
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Loss of amenity
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Increased risk of heart attacks and stroke
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Potential links to dementia
These impacts are not theoretical. The applicant’s own figures estimate a total cost of over £20.8 million over ten years associated with noise-related health effects.
Long-term exposure to aircraft noise is linked to stress responses, increased blood pressure, and increased risks of serious health conditions.
Concerns about scale, need, and evidence
The Council also raises concerns that:
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The scale of operations proposed is significantly greater than historic levels
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There is no clear evidence of secured funding or committed operators
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Independent verification of demand has not been demonstrated
The Planning Inspectorate has previously raised concerns regarding the need for the project and its potential environmental impact.
Limitations of the consultation process
The Council considers the consultation process itself to be inadequate for a proposal of this scale.
Concerns include:
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Limited public engagement events, with only one held in Ramsgate despite the number of affected residents
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Restrictions within the online consultation platform – RSP has now permitted attachments to be included with responses (i.e. photos and PDF’s) following an appeal by Ramsgate Town Council.
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Lack of transparency during the consultation period, with submissions not visible until after closure
This limits residents’ ability to understand how views are being represented and considered.
Expected safeguards and changes
The Council’s draft submission makes clear that any acceptable proposal would need to include significant changes, including:
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Higher minimum altitudes (at least 1,500 feet) over populated areas
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Strong preference for routes that avoid overflying infrastructure and homes where possible
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Strict enforcement of night-time restrictions
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Clear, independently verified evidence of demand, safety, and funding
Seeking independent expertise
Councillors have emphasised that, while the concerns raised reflect local knowledge and resident feedback, aviation and airspace design are highly specialised areas.
To ensure that the Council’s final response carries appropriate weight, independent aviation experts, Alan Stratford & Associates, have been commissioned to review the proposals and provide advice.
This will allow the Council to:
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Validate and strengthen its objections where appropriate
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Ensure technical accuracy
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Avoid submitting information that may later need amendment
Next steps
The Council will:
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Review independent expert advice once received
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Submit a formal response to the consultation before the closing date
Residents are encouraged to review the consultation at
https://consultations.airspacechange.co.uk/manston-airport/manston-airport-consultation/ and submit their own comments if they wish.
Statement from Councillor Steve Albon, Chair
“Ramsgate Town Council recognises the importance of this issue to residents and is committed to ensuring that local concerns are clearly and professionally represented.
The Council will continue to engage with relevant authorities and stakeholders to try to ensure that any decisions relating to Manston Airport fully consider the impact on Ramsgate’s community.”