Today’s shocking decision to approve an extension to Lydd airport in Kent is the latest stage in the sorry saga of attempts to develop the site. We’re very disappointed at the news and are profoundly concerned for the future of one the UK’s most important and iconic wildlife sites.
The decision goes against the wishes of local people who, in the only formal referendum on the issue voted 2 to 1 against the airport’s plans.
The RSPB’s Conservation Director, Martin Harper, reacted to the news by saying , ‘this is the wrong decision as it opens the door to real damage to Dungeness, to its wildlife and the quality of life for many of its residents and risks destroying a unique asset that is enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of people’.
‘Dungeness is a special place for nature which is recognised globally for the importance of its wildlife, this decision means nowhere is safe and signals that nature is in trouble in the face of unfettered growth – these are worrying times for all who care for Britain’s wildlife’.
‘We will be taking time to review the detail of the decision – and to plan our next steps’.
As I commented on Martin Harper's blog yesterday, I don't think this Government has any real interest in protecting our wildlife. I think they regard it as getting in their way. This absurd decision is just another example so many cases recently when this Government has refused act to protect our wildlife when urgent action cries out to be taken.
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