Catflaps,
the information I got from the visiting party was that a planning restraint prevented Manston from accepting flights after 2300 local due to the approach paths overflying Ramsgate at one end and a new development at the other.
What I pointed out to said politicians was that, subject to wind constraints, if the planes landed on one end and departed on the other, they would be in a perfect position to take night freight from Heathrow and IT flights from Stansted, both of whom are severly restricted after 2300 local.
Sadly, this went over their heads.
Now I know that you are, for your own unexplained reasons, a long term dectractor of Manston and that I am a seasoned avaition professional who knows what it takes for airports to be succesfull and I am sure that Infratril know what's needed as well.
It's just a case of convincing the politicians before it's to late.