Manston – application for another legal challenge
A High Court judge announced that the legal challenge by local people, against the decision by the government to approve the DCO – to enable the airport to reopen, for air freight – was rejected. Mr Justice Lane refused the application for a judicial review of government approval of Riveroak Strategic Partners’ (RSP) plans to redevelop the former airport into a cargo terminal, rejecting claims of procedural unfairness, climate considerations and need for a freight hub. Campaigners struck back swiftly. Ramsgate resident Jenny Dawes lodged a fresh legal bid that again hinges on the economic arguments used to justify the development and the climate cost of a new airport. Ms Dawes, who has been crowdfunding her legal efforts, and is liable for the costs of the first request, has called for a planning judge to review the decision. Ms Dawes’ action has received support from the Aviation Environment Federation (AEF), which is highly critical of the DfT approval. .Tweet Manston air freight hub development can go ahead, but protestors won’t give up By Alex Whiteman (The Loadstar) 26/01/2023 Anti-development campaigners were dealt a blow when a judge dismissed an plea for a judicial review of plans for the UK’s Manston Airport, and an appeal of the decision has already been lodged. Mr Justice Lane refused the application for a judicial review of government approval of Riveroak Strategic Partners’ (RSP) plans to redevelop the former airport into a cargo terminal, rejecting claims of procedural unfairness, climate considerations and need for a freight hub. Now, RSP appears increasingly bullish that, after years of delays and efforts to block the plan, it may finally be in a position to push ahead. A spokesperson told The Loadstar: “We look forward to getting the process of turning Manston into a state of-the-art freight hub under way. And we look forward to working to support the long-term economic development of East Kent, through the reopening of Manston.” Local MP Craig MacKinlay said despite “nine years of ups and down” there was still widespread support for the proposed redevelopment of the airport. He t