Make Yourself Heard in Lydd Airport Hearing

The Public Inquiry on the expansion of Lydd Airport planning applications is now underway. Hearings started formally on 15th February and are expected to take up to 12 weeks. The cost to Shepway taxpayers is expected to be at least £250,000.

The Inquiry was called by the Government after Shepway District Council approved the planning applications against the advice of Natural England and their own planning officers. Meetings are mainly taking place at the Shepway Civic Centre in Folkestone. Local residents and Lib Dems have called for Shepway Council to webcast sessions to make it easier for Romney Marsh residents to follow.

Lib Dem Councillor Val Loseby has already attended the Public Inquiry and is urging local residents to do the same. Val said:

"It's essential that Inspector Ken Barton knows the strength of public opinion against the expansion of Lydd Airport. You can turn up and watch, request to speak and put your views directly, and also make submissions in writing."

To ask to speak, you need to turn up and register with Programme Officer Helen Wilson to speak.

The Inquiry will normally sit from Tuesday - Friday, 10.00 - 5.00 pm (with breaks, and adjourn earlier on Friday). A programme and the topics to be covered each day is at http://tinyurl.com/lydd-inquiry along with contact details for Helen Wilson.