Campaigners opposing the Manston China Gateway Project are planning a public meeting to discuss the issue in Broadstairs on Tuesday, September 9.

The meeting has been organised by film-maker Christine Tongue, producer of the documentary Thanet Under Threat.

Christine said: “This is a huge project which has far-reaching implications for the environment and economy of Thanet.

“It is critical that everyone understands the issues involved and what’s at stake.

“At the meeting we will explain what the proposals for China Gateway involve and also discuss what they may mean to the area.

“The plan involves building a vast industrial development on one of Thanet’s aquifers – one of the main sources of our drinking water.

“It has huge implications for traffic and will change the landscape of the island irreparably.

“All these issues must be discussed; we can’t sleepwalk into this,” she added.

The meeting will be at 7.30pm on Tuesday at the Red Hall, 11 Grosvenor Road, Broadstairs.

For more details telephone Christine on 01843 604253 or email inmeds@yahoo.co.uk

Special council meeting in October

Thanet Council chairman Cllr John Kirby made personal representations to council chief executive Richard Samuel to get the date of the special council meeting put back to Thursday October 9, to enable more time for investigations into the full implications of China Gateway.

The meeting, solely to consider the planning application, has been arranged for 6pm, ahead of the planned full council meeting, which will take place at either 8pm or when the previous meeting concludes.

Mr Samuel said: “This is an important issue for Thanet and the council is well aware of the strong public interest in this application. Having spoken to members about their availability, it became clear that the numbers who could be there on other dates proposed were too low for serious consideration of this application.”

North Thanet MP Roger Gale said: “It is absolutely right that a planning proposal that has attracted such widespread interest and comment should be considered by the whole council in order that views may be well-aired and the democratic process be seen to be open and above board. I applaud the decision of my council colleagues on the planning committee who have voted to ensure a wider hearing and I believe that the council’s administration has nothing to fear and everything to gain from that process.

“Let us be clear: The planning application falls within the confines of the Local Plan, approved and signed off by the Secretary of State. To reject it, notwithstanding some ill-informed populist grandstanding, would almost certainly lead to an appeal, approval without conditions and safeguards and costs borne by the Thanet council taxpayer.”