The approval of plans for the expansion of Lydd airport by Shepway Council has been taken to the European Commission over concerns that the expansion could seriously affect residents’ quality of life and damage the area’s natural heritage.
Caroline Lucas, Green Euro-MP for Kent and the South East and Party leader, has written to EU Environment Commissioner Janez Potocnik to request an investigation into the threat posed to two nature sites around Dungeness in Kent by the planned expansion.
The Euro-MP said "Shepway District Council’s decision to allow expansion at Lydd airport completely ignored the concerns of local residents, campaigners and the Government’s independent body, Natural England – not to mention the advice of the council’s own Officers.
"It is not difficult to imagine the impact of up to 500,000 passengers a year, putting strain on the local transport infrastructure, as well as the inevitable increase in aircraft noise, disturbance and air pollution that an enlarged facility will bring.
"The Dungeness to Pett Levels Special Protection Area (SPA), designated for its internationally important bird populations, and Dungeness Special Area of Conservation (SAC), designated for its great crested newt populations and rare shingle habitat, could be at risk."
The plans to build a new terminal at the airport and extend the runway were approved at a meeting of Shepway councillors on 3rd March. After a meeting that ran late into the night, councillors voted 27 to 12 in support of the planning applications.
> Get more news and information about Lydd airport and Romney Marsh daily, sign up to our free RSS and email alerts or catch up with information and local news on our Romney Marsh news page.
Green party ask EU to investigate Lydd airport decision
The approval of plans for the expansion of Lydd airport by Shepway Council has been taken to the European Commission over concerns that the expansion could seriously affect residents’ quality of life and damage the area’s natural heritage.
Caroline Lucas, Green Euro-MP for Kent and the South East and Party leader, has written to EU Environment Commissioner Janez Potocnik to request an investigation into the threat posed to two nature sites around Dungeness in Kent by the planned expansion.
The Euro-MP said "Shepway District Council’s decision to allow expansion at Lydd airport completely ignored the concerns of local residents, campaigners and the Government’s independent body, Natural England – not to mention the advice of the council’s own Officers.
"It is not difficult to imagine the impact of up to 500,000 passengers a year, putting strain on the local transport infrastructure, as well as the inevitable increase in aircraft noise, disturbance and air pollution that an enlarged facility will bring.
"The Dungeness to Pett Levels Special Protection Area (SPA), designated for its internationally important bird populations, and Dungeness Special Area of Conservation (SAC), designated for its great crested newt populations and rare shingle habitat, could be at risk."
The plans to build a new terminal at the airport and extend the runway were approved at a meeting of Shepway councillors on 3rd March. After a meeting that ran late into the night, councillors voted 27 to 12 in support of the planning applications.
> Get more news and information about Lydd airport and Romney Marsh daily, sign up to our free RSS and email alerts or catch up with information and local news on our Romney Marsh news page.
Get more news like this, daily
See what your friends are reading
Join us on Facebook and see what your friends are reading and sharing. Just click LIKE below.
Got something to say?
Local Links & businesses
| Private Investigator Books | Ethan and Daniel Leaning | Become a personal trainer | Top
J2M2ATYKMMH8