Lydd Airport Applications Grounded? (L.A.A.G.)

Government Advisory body Natural England has called on the Secretary of State to call the Lydd Airport Applications.

Both Kent Online and Shepway Lib Dem websites are reporting that the decision has been called in and that the Government Office for the South East will decide whether to refer the matter to the Secretary of State.

In a press release dated March 12, kindly passed onto FUTS by Conservative Cllr Russell Tillson, Natural England Area Manager Rob Cameron is quoted as saying;

“We [Natural England] have to be consulted by law because the proposed expansion at the LAA at Lydd may affect nature conservation sites of national and international importance. The scientific evidence supports the need for the ‘call in’.

“If the Secretary of State agrees to Natural England’s request, this would most likely result in a Public Inquiry,

“We believe the applicant has been unable to demonstrate that the sites of national and international importance for nature conservation would not be adversely affected by the proposed developments.”

Natural England, set up on 2006 to be an independent advisory body, is also concerned that the Bird Control Plan is insufficiently detailed and the potential reduction in air quality.
The Lydd Airport expansion applications are the most controversial of recent times. Strong views have been expressed both for and against.

Shepway planning officers recommended refusal. Councillors voted to combine the Shepway officers’ report with the London Ashford Airport report before passing the planning applications, after a 7 hour meeting on March 3, with 27 councillors voting in favour.

It was widely expected that any decision would lead to an appeal. Lydd Airport Action Group, the largest organised group against the applications, announced their intention to request a call in the day after the approval.