Library image – 747 freight aircraft landing at Manston in 2007
The High Court has ruled a legal challenge to the development consent order (DCO) for Manston Airport has been denied.
The DCO was granted in August 2022 to Riveroak Strategic Partners, who plan to reopen and develop Manston Airport into a dedicated air freight facility.
A group of residents and environmental campaigners had challenged the DCO, arguing that the decision-making process was flawed and that the airport would have a negative impact on the local environment.
However, the High Court judge ruled that the Secretary of State had acted fairly and lawfully in granting the DCO.
The Leader of Thanet District Council, Cllr Rick Everitt, said that the council would “engage constructively” with Riveroak Strategic Partners on the development of the airport.
He also said that the council would address the DCO decision through the update of the Local Plan.
The decision is a victory for Riveroak Strategic Partners, who have been working to reopen Manston Airport for a number of years.
The airport is expected to create thousands of jobs and boost the local economy. However, some residents and environmental campaigners are concerned about the impact of the airport on the local environment.
It remains to be seen when Manston Airport will reopen, as it’s understood Riveroak Strategic Partners still needs to obtain a number of consents from the council.