Anger over Lydd Airport expansion
Controversial plans to expand one of the region's airports have been criticised by environmental groups. Tom Savvides reports.
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Lydd airport expansion: Twitter reaction
No one wants to stay in a seaside town with great big jumbo jets flying overhead #lyddairport #badidea
The future of big flappy birds (especially gulls and waterfowl) that call Dungeness home is in jeopardy #Lyddairport http://t.co/hA1us2nDju
@robwilliams1973 the impact to the environment will be minimal a lot of scaremongering by the greens with their own agenda #lyddairport
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Airport plans criticised by environmental campaigners
Workers at Lydd airport in Kent have welcomed the news that the airport is to expand. But campaigners say they're not happy. We spoke to Ground operations manager Steve Mallion and Dr Hilary Newport from Protect Kent.
Lydd airport expansion: the celebrations continue
The celebrations continue at Lydd airport after yesterday's announcement that the Secretary of State has given the go-ahead to extend its runway and construct a new terminal building. It means it will be able to handle up to half a million passengers a year.
Airport boss 'very, very happy'
Executive Manager of Lydd Airport, Hani Mutlaq, talks to ITV reporter Tom Savvides about the airport's expansion plan that has now been approved by the Government.
Green Party MEP expresses dismay at Lydd airport decision
The Green Party’s MEP for the South East has reacted with dismay after the Government approved the expansion of Lydd airport. Keith Taylor has campaigned against airport expansion at Lydd for a number of years.
– Keith Taylor MEP, South East, Green PartyIt's hugely disappointing that the Government has given the green light for this damaging expansion. The large number of people that requested a public inquiry into the expansion of Lydd airport shows that there are huge concerns about the impact these proposals would have in terms of the increase in pollution for local residents and the threat to important wildlife.
Mr Taylor added that Dungeness peninsula was one of the most important and sensitive wildlife habitats in the UK. The airport’s expansion will have an impact outside the immediate locality, damaging internationally protected wildlife sites.
– Keith Taylor MEP, South East, Green Party“Expansion of services will also increase noise and air pollution and raise greenhouse gas emissions in the area. Such developments would set a dangerous precedent for the rest of the region, and indeed the rest of the UK.
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CPRE: Expansion is a terrible decision
CPRE have reacted to news that the expansion of Lydd Airport has been given the go-head saying it's a decision that will irreversibly damage the wildlife habitat and beautiful landscape unique to the area.
– Neil Sinden, Director of Policy and Campaigns for the Campaign to Protect Rural EnglandThis is a terrible decision which threatens one of the few remaining areas of rural tranquillity in heavily pressured South East, and in a county once proudly described as the Garden of England. And it will not just alarm environmentalists.
There were many in the aviation sector who considered this scheme to be nonsensical and a non-starter. If there are any economic benefits, which is unlikely, they will be heavily outweighed by the environmental damage that it will cause on so many levels. Campaigners are bound to consider all legal options to have this disturbing decision overturned.
RSPB 'disappointed' at airport decision
Lydd airport expansion approved - we're very disappointed & profoundly concerned for future of one of UK's most important wildlife sites.
Early meeting with council sought to start expansion
Lydd Airport bosses says they will now be seeking an early meeting with Shepway District Council planners to begin the process of ensuring that the pre-commencement conditions are discharged, including environmental, noise, traffic and other conditions already agreed as part of the approval.
Airport manager: Right choice has been made
– Hani Mutlaq, Lydd Airport Executive ManagerWe submitted our planning applications in December 2006 and it has been a long road to get to where we are today. We put forward a compelling case for allowing the controlled development of the airport, and first the local planning authority and now the Government has agreed with the overwhelming body of evidence in front of them. The right choice has been made for the future of our community.