RSPB: Final Lydd Airport consultation changes nothing

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesman for Folkestone & Hythe Neil Matthews has strongly welcomed news that the RSPB have come out against Lydd Airport expansion plans, saying "Lydd remains one of the most inappropriate and dangerous locations to run a large airport".

Following the completion of a third round of consultation for the controversial Lydd Airport expansion plans, the RSPB claims that the developers have again failed to address the threats to the area's internationally important wildlife.

"Nothing has changed," said Chris Corrigan, the RSPB's Regional Director for South East England, "and Lydd remains one of the most inappropriate and dangerous locations to run a large airport".

"The airport owners are still trying to suggest that their expanded operation will not damage the legally protected wildlife that depends on the area. And yet they are unable to provide the definitive proof, which the law protecting the wildlife requires."

The RSPB remains concerned that there will be a significant threat to the wildlife from pollution and disturbance. As well as the increase in flights, the wildlife charity believes that the airport's unproven bird hazard management plans also pose a significant risk of disturbance that would only become worse if those plans have to be expanded.

Chris Corrigan continued:

"It is ludicrous to think that an airport calling itself London Ashford Airport will actually halt operations if a flock of birds threatens to fly across the runway - and given that they are licensed for round the clock flights they have failed to explain how they will spot birds flying at night."

"They also claim that pollution from the massively expanded airport won't be a problem. The area already suffers from high levels of airborne pollution and any increase could significantly damage the area's fragile ecology. Dungeness's wildlife is unique and once it is gone, it can never be replaced. We simply cannot afford to take that risk."

Neil Matthews is strongly opposed to the plans for the expansion of Lydd Airport. He said:

"I entirely agree with the RSPB and the majority of local residents: Lydd Airport should not be expanded.

"Local parish and newspaper polls have repeatedly shown that residents are against these proposals and the RSPB who have an important reserve in Dungeness are against these proposals.

"I call on Lydd Airport management, following the recent departure of their Managing Director, to withdraw the planning permission proposals and reassure local residents they have given up on this expansion once and for all."