The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Eric Pickles has decided a public inquiry must be held over the £25m expansion of Lydd Airport on Romney Marsh in Kent.
Lydd Airport said the decision to call in its plans for a public inquiry was “hugely frustrating” and that the decision would hold up investment in new jobs while campaigners against the expansion said the decision was a victory for common sense and the environment.
The airport plans for a runway extension and a new terminal building capable of handling up to 500,000 passengers a year were approved by Shepway councillors on 3rd March against the advice of the councils planning Officers and Natural England, the government’s independent advisor on the natural environment. Natural England said that expansion should not go ahead as the plans did not properly consider the environmental impact and local areas.
The RSPB, which manages nearby bird reserves, and Protect Kent argued against the plans as did Caroline Lucas, Green Euro-MP for Kent and the South East and Party leader, who wrote to EU Environment Commissioner Janez Potocnik to request an investigation into council decision.
Protect Kent Deputy Director Sean Furey said “Romney Marsh is one of the most beautiful and tranquil landscapes in South East England. We want tourists to come to area to appreciate it and support the local economy, but we have long argued that expanding the airport is the wrong way to go, and would damage internationally important wildlife habitats in the process.
“We are glad that these issues will be explored rigorously by an inquiry.” Pro-expansion campaigners however have argued that the expansion is vital for the Romney Marshes and wider area as it would bring a vital economic boost to the region.”
Lydd Airport by contrast was frustrated by the latest decision.
Speaking before the announcement on Thursday, Lydd airport’s managing director, Jonathan Gordon, said "It’s regrettable that our multi-million-pound investment plans, which will help boost the economic fortunes of Romney Marsh and create 500 jobs, are on hold again.”
Speaking after news that Secretary of State had called a public inquiry, Lydd airport spokesperson Jo Oliver said the decision was deeply disappointing but they remained confident that they would secure approval.
The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Eric Pickles has decided a public inquiry must be held over the £25m expansion of Lydd Airport on Romney Marsh in Kent.
Lydd Airport said the decision to call in its plans for a public inquiry was “hugely frustrating” and that the decision would hold up investment in new jobs while campaigners against the expansion said the decision was a victory for common sense and the environment.
The airport plans for a runway extension and a new terminal building capable of handling up to 500,000 passengers a year were approved by Shepway councillors on 3rd March against the advice of the councils planning Officers and Natural England, the government’s independent advisor on the natural environment. Natural England said that expansion should not go ahead as the plans did not properly consider the environmental impact and local areas.
The RSPB, which manages nearby bird reserves, and Protect Kent argued against the plans as did Caroline Lucas, Green Euro-MP for Kent and the South East and Party leader, who wrote to EU Environment Commissioner Janez Potocnik to request an investigation into council decision.
Protect Kent Deputy Director Sean Furey said “Romney Marsh is one of the most beautiful and tranquil landscapes in South East England. We want tourists to come to area to appreciate it and support the local economy, but we have long argued that expanding the airport is the wrong way to go, and would damage internationally important wildlife habitats in the process.
“We are glad that these issues will be explored rigorously by an inquiry.” Pro-expansion campaigners however have argued that the expansion is vital for the Romney Marshes and wider area as it would bring a vital economic boost to the region.”
Lydd Airport by contrast was frustrated by the latest decision.
Speaking before the announcement on Thursday, Lydd airport’s managing director, Jonathan Gordon, said "It’s regrettable that our multi-million-pound investment plans, which will help boost the economic fortunes of Romney Marsh and create 500 jobs, are on hold again.”
Speaking after news that Secretary of State had called a public inquiry, Lydd airport spokesperson Jo Oliver said the decision was deeply disappointing but they remained confident that they would secure approval.
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