Lydd Public Inquiry packed to the rafters

At last the Public Inquiry has properly opened in Folkestone to start hearing evidence that will decide the fate of wildlife and local people in the Dungeness area from a massively expanded airport at Lydd.

It was fantastic to see local people turning up to show their feelings against the expansion that is likely to damage their local environment and quality of life. The public viewing area in the council chamber was so full that an overflow area was opened up so people could watch and listen to proceedings.

The day started with all parties presenting their opening statements summarising the outline of their case.

 It was reassuring to hear that both the council and the airport team agreed that the views of local people were relevant and important - let's hope they finally decide to listen to them then. In the only independent local referenda, local people voted overwhelmingly against an expanded airport - 2 to 1 against! They have emphatically rejected an expanded airport.

It was also emphasised that the local area needs new jobs - no-one denies this. However, the RSPB believes that creating new jobs from an expanded airport would not only damage the wider environment, but could also jeopardise existing jobs in the tourism industry. Why not promote this beautiful and distinctive environment as a place to come and see wonderful wildlife, creating a more sustainable economy, based on eco-tourism, that won't degrade this unique place?

Instead Shepway Council believe that an expanded airport will raise the profile of this part of Kent as a visitor destination and bring new people to the area. What would these visitors come to see? Certainly not an amazing wildlife spectacle, but maybe large passenger jets instead?

Over the next two weeks the RSPB will present evidence on the impact of an expanded airport on the important bird populations in this highly protected place, the effect on our much-valued nature reserve at Dungeness and also the impact on climate change.

Other objecting parties will highlight damage to the sensitive plants on the vegetated shingle from air pollution, the loss of the area's famous tranquillity and the safety issues raised by the development of such as a large airport near a nuclear power plant- in fact the nearest airport to a nuclear power plant in the UK

Dedicated RSPB staff will be here at the Public Inquiry for much of the time over the coming months - watch this space for more updates as the proceedings continue.