Long-Haul Battle Expected Over Lydd Airport Plans

Liberal Democrat Candidate Lynne Beaumont and Conservative Candidate Damian Collins are at odds over future development on the Marsh.

Wednesday March 3 will see the council meet to determine the fate of two planning applications for the expansion of Lydd Airport. The expansion has been a highly contentious issue, with groups clashing over the need for jobs and infrastructure against the environmental cost of development.

Cllr Beaumont revealed to FUTS she had taken legal advice over the recommendations, and that she will be voting in the meeting on March 3. The Liberal Democrats have maintained a strong opposition to the plans.

In a statement to FUTS, Cllr Beaumont worte; ‘I think the report is clear, that the airport have not put a case forward where they cannot prove the expansion will not cause further damage to the environment.

‘Legally, if the habitats regulations are not met, then you have no choice but to vote against the applications. It will be interesting to see what happens on Wednesday.’

Conservative candidate Mr Collins, while not a member of the council, has been involved in the debate and previously said he ‘would support limited expansion depending on what the report says.’

Asked for his reaction to the report Mr Collins said he expects the case to go to appeal. Appearing to support airport expansion, Mr Collins is concerned that environmental considerations are seen as more pressing than economic development.

In a statement to FUTS, Mr Collins wrote; ‘having read the report I think it looks more and more likely that a final decision on this could only be given after a public enquiry.’

‘I have a concern, both on this and on Dungeness power station that Natural England seems to have the right of veto over development on Romney Marsh, even when the land area is question is less than 1% of the protected area, and their objection overrides any local consideration about jobs and investment.

‘An appeal to the Secretary of State though could allow this to be resolved. Many people in Lydd and Romney March are increasingly worried about jobs, and the report from Shepway's officers will be a further blow for them.’
Pressure groups Lydd Airport Action Group (LAAG – against development) and Friends of Lydd Airport (FLAG – for development) have stated they expect to see the case go to appeal.

With Michael Howard MP not contesting the next election any appeal would ensure it will remain a tricky issue for his successor, widely tipped to be Mr Collins. Mr Howard will speak on the application at the meeting, and has previously written he would support expansion.

People are being urged NOT to go to the civic centre for the meeting as the public gallery is full with limited spaces in other rooms.
The public will be able to watch over the internet via the Shepway Council website, or at Romney Marsh Academy Theatre where a large screen will show the meeting.