AIRPORT FUTURE - December 2009
The future of the airport seemed to be assured by the publication of the replacement core document for the Local Plan called the LDF (Local Development Framework). This document, which was a joint development framework between Kent and Medway, was and still is published on the Kent and Medway official website :- Local Planning Development framework Section 8.61 and Policy TP26. This did appear to give the airport some protection for the duration of the planning framework until 2021 - although the quality of the framework document had been called into question by officials.
HOWEVER - This document has now been superseded by the South East Plan. There are supposed to be equivalent clauses to the Structure plan but no mention appears to have been made specifically of Rochester Airport, only these words:-
“8.30 The Air Transport White Paper highlighted the important role that small airports can play in providing access to air services that reduce the pressure on the main airports, particularly in the period before a new runway in the South East is built. In addition to the potential previously identified for Southampton Airport, the potential of Kent International Airport to fulfil an enhanced role as a regional airport is also acknowledged. Other smaller airports could play a valuable role in meeting local demand and contributing to regional economic development. Subject to relevant environmental considerations, their development should be supported.This change was adopted in July 2009 and does not seem to be widely publicised.