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  The quest for an Enterprise Zone extension or new designation will leave Thanet Council well & truly stuffed. All the issues which they have dodged or rejected earlier causing some of the non viability will surface again. They can't have it both ways - an Enterprise Zone means simplified planning agreed in advance ,once agreed by the Secretary of State Thanet have lost control of future planning decisions if it falls within the scope of the designation. Without it the Enterprise Zone does not exist.
  
  The former Pfizer site - Discovery Park Ltd at Sandwich has such a designation on part of the site & is successfully attracting businesses - 76 to date- & can make alterations
  to buildings & changes of uses if within the agreed scheme.
  
  Manston is one for the long haul-not just flights- , it needs flexibility to survive & grow. The renewal of the Assisted Area Status designation gives it a chance to attract EU & central government grants for certain types of businesses. The Manston Parkway scheme which is in the S E Local Enterprise Partnership bid to government backs up the HS1 electrification scheme from Ashford through to Thanet- it is funded.
  
  This is a high stake poker game being played.
  
  The owner did not buy Manston because it wanted it, it was part of a package that went with Prestwick airport.

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