William Eichler 30 October 2015

Thanet Council pulls out of purchase of Manston Airport

Thanet Council has agreed to take no further action on a compulsory purchase order (CPO) of Manston Airport at the present time.

The decision was taken at an extraordinary meeting of the cabinet and breaks a key election pledge of the ruling party, UKIP.

Uncertainty over the finances of RiverOak, the US-based investment firm that would have underwritten the costs of the council buying the site, led to the final decision.

Leader of Thanet District Council, cllr Chris Wells, said: ‘RiverOak's failure to respond to the many opportunities they had to demonstrate their suitability as an indemnity partner is genuinely disappointing.’

He continued: ‘It does not, however, diminish our appetite to see the airport up and running. But it has to be done carefully, lawfully and in a manner that does not expose Council Tax payers to risk.’

A report analysing the feasibility of the CPO concluded that the council needs assurance that a potential indemnity partner could cover the costs of both purchasing the site and completing the development.

A CPO must also satisfy the ‘public-interest’ test if it is to be successful.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Cleaner and Caretaker

North Yorkshire Council
£12.65 - £13.47 per hour
Are you looking for a cleaning role that is a little different? Ripon, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Cleaner and Caretaker

North Yorkshire Council
£12.65 - £13.47 per hour
Are you looking for a cleaning role that is a little different? Bradley, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Specialist Customer Service Officer

Oxfordshire County Council
£31,537 - £34,434 per annum
Are you passionate about helping others and making a real impact in your community? We’re looking for Specialist Customer Service Officers to join our dynamic Contact Centre team, the first point of contact for a wide range of essential services acros Oxfordshire County Council , County Hall, Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Cook

North Yorkshire Council
£13.47 - £14.13 per hour
Are you keen to join a friendly team who are committed to making a real impact in their local community? Lancaster, Lancashire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Catering Assistant

North Yorkshire Council
£12.65 - £12.65 per hour
We have an opportunity to join our award-winning Facilities Management catering team. North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner