Decision details

19/05/2014 – DECISION UPDATE

1.    The decision title has been changed from Bold Steps for Aviation to Facing the Aviation Challenge.

REASON: In order to maintain a ‘one council’ approach to policy and strategy.  The principle of the decision – to establish KCC’s approach to aviation issues – remains unchanged.

2.    Decision due date changed from 13/12/2013 to 22/07/2014. 

REASON: The decision has been delayed owing to uncertainty regarding the future of Manston Airport and the consequences of that for any strategic direction supported by Kent County Council.  The decision will not now be taken before 22 July in order that the draft document can be considered by the Environment and Transport Cabinet Committee before it is considered for adoption by the Cabinet Member

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To seek approval of Kent County Council’s Bold Steps for Aviation Strategy

Decision taken by the Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport - 4 August 2014

Following the publication of the Airports Commission’s Interim report in December 2013 a new airport on the Isle of Grain could be added to the shortlist of potential long term options that could be recommended to Government in its final report in summer 2015.  The Airports Commission will make this decision in September 2014, following feasibility studies conducted by the Commission.  If shortlisted, there would be a national public consultation (anticipated in early July 2015).  KCC should reaffirm its support for expansion of existing airports and opposition to a new airport in the Thames Estuary through a new discussion document on aviation in ’Facing the Aviation Challenge’ (July 2014).

The Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport has agreed to adopt Kent County Council’s discussion document on aviation in ‘Facing the Aviation Challenge’ (July 2014).