Kent sandbanks could be the location for new hub airport

The proposal to build on Goodwin Sands, 1.8 miles off the east coast of Kent, comes from London-based maritime engineers Beckett Rankine.

Tim Beckett, director, said in a statement: ‘We believe that an offshore hub airport is the only option that can realistically provide the four new, independent runways that research reveals London needs.

‘If the Davies Commission endorses the long-term requirement for a new, four-runway hub airport for London, then locating it at Goodwin will have the least adverse social and environmental impact of any option. It is certainly the most sustainable solution available.’

Daniel Moylan, the Mayor of London’s aviation adviser, said: ‘The Mayor has been encouraging proposals for a new airport to the east of London and this proposal is welcome as a contribution to a critical national debate and as a demonstration that a new airport is feasible and deliverable.

‘The arguments for the construction of a new hub airport in the UK are overwhelming and this proposal offers one option of how to build it. We now urgently need to recognise that a new hub airport is the answer to our aviation capacity problems and press ahead with considering the best way to deliver that airport.’