Way back in September, I reported on yet another delay in the saga that has been the plans to extended Lydd airport.
To recap, back in September we were anticipating Shepway District Council taking a decision on the proposal by Lydd Airport to extended their runway and boost passenger numbers from 4000 to half a million. The RSPB has objected to this proposal from the outset because of the risks to the precious and sensitive wildlife of the Dungeness peninsula.
We were hugely encouraged that officers of the District council recommended refusal of the applications – but then the whole process was delayed to allow the applicants more time. It now looks as though decision day is set for Wednesday. Officers have reiterated their recommendation to refuse; the responsibility now rests with the elected members of Shepway District Council, we urge them to follow not only the recommendation of their officers but also the two thirds of local people who have indicated that they do not support the airport’s plans.
If you live in Shepway district, this is your last chance to contact your councillor and ask them to vote no to the proposed expansion of Lydd Airport. If you are local to Folkestone and would like to support us in person, you would be welcome to join our team outside the Town Hall from 5pm
As more and more attention has been focussed on Dungeness, it has become increasingly clear what an amazing place this is. It’s an iconic landscape filled with rare and unusual wildlife – some found no-where else in the UK. The RSPB has been committed to this special places for over 100 years and we hope that Wednesday’s decision is the start of new a positive future for Dungeness with nature at it’s heart.
So, expect and update after the Wednesday council meeting.