Manston Green plans go on show in Marlowe Academy showing planned Thanet Parkway station
Published: 00:01, 31 October 2013
Ambitious plans for 800 homes in east Kent could lead to the development of a new Thanet Parkway station.
Details of The Manston Green scheme on a 112-acre site on the edge of Ramsgate are on show from today, ahead of a formal planning application.
The company putting forward the proposals claims the station holds the key to cutting journey times to and from London - making it more attractive to investors.
The idea of a parkway station to serve the airport has been backed by Kent County Council and others over recent years.
The county council’s “Growth Without Gridlock” strategy identified it as a critical element in helping bring journey times from Thanet to London down to 64 minutes.
As well as serving the airport, developers say it would provide an important transport link to Westwood Cross, Manston Business Park and Discovery Park.
Located to the east of Manston Airport, Manston Green covers a site to the west and east of Haine Road and to the north of Manston Road.
There would be a phased development of 800 homes, new primary and secondary schools and an improved local road network.
The company says the scheme will help Thanet meet its house-building targets.
Kevin Ashman, project director for Manston Green, said: “Although there is much to be optimistic about Thanet’s economic future, it is clear more could be done to improve journey times to and from London, reduce congestion on Haine Road, and provide homes for the area’s growing workforce.
"We believe Manston Green offers a timely opportunity to support economic growth of Thanet and East Kent.”
The company behind the masterplan is Cogent Land LLP, specialists in mixed use and infrastructure-led schemes throughout the UK.
Details of the development will be on show from 3pm to 8pm today, at the Marlowe Academy, Ramsgate.
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Paul Francis