A sad day for Shepway residents as Lydd Airport expansion plans approved

Written by Gemma Watts, Protect Kent and published in www.protectkent.org.uk on Thu 4th Mar 2010

Protect Kent is shocked and saddened at Shepway Councils decision last night, to approve plans for an extended runway and new terminal building at Lydd airport.

For the last few years, along with many other local organisations, Protect Kent has campaigned strongly against the proposal, which will shatter the unique tranquillity of the Romney Marsh with increased noise from larger aircraft, which will land and take off a few miles from the town.

Shepway Councils own officers, the RSPB, Natural England and the Government's statutory advisors on nature conservation have all recommended rejection.

Deputy Director Sean Furey said:

"The decision by Shepway Council shows little consideration has been made for the tranquillity of this unique area or opposition from local residents. The Councils own planning officers advised the plans be rejected, yet still approval has been given. Expanding Lydd Airport is the most unsustainable decision that could have been made for this area, yet sadly it has now been made. The environmental impact is going to be devastating."