The long awaited planning debate and decision on Lydd airport's expansion plans by Tory led Shepway District Council, Folkestone, Kent is to take place on Thursday July 9th -7pm at the Council offcies.
The airportexpansion is opposed by up to 3 to 1 of local residents, It is right next to Dungeness Bird reserve (one of RSPB's oldest) and just a very short way further- certain nuclear power stations (Dungeness). The runway points alnost directly at the 'B' station. (still running at present until 2018- they want to extend it). A Dungness 'C' has been proposed but rather unlikely to happen. Dungeness B has lodged an objection to the expansion on safety grounds largely- next decision on that not likely until 2012.
The local, as you yawningly may have expected , Chamber of Commerce,is very pro the airport. The supporters have just one argument basically- jobs. (These of course could come from expanding tourism-esp' 'green holidays' and investing in green-collar renewables facilities too.) That is until the flooding starts in earnest)
Climate Change etc- the airport and it's rag-rage bunch od sad supporters rarely gets mentioned- one seems to think it's all to do with volcano's and will pass. Others think 'our bit' won't make any difference. They appear to refuse to see of course ethat everyone says that and it all adds up.
http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kentish_express/news/2009/june/baby_killed_in_car_crash_named/airport_decision_day.aspx It is expected that demo's against may happen on the day.
Unfortunatly SDC is basically an elected dictatorship with the main opposition Lib Dems having only 6 councillors, the Tories maj' is huge. (Bit like KCC now also).
Cl leader Robert Bliss says they will allow a 'free vote' on it- yeah right...
Anti-groups locally: Lydd airport action group (Mrs L Barton)
http://www.kentnet.org.uk/laag/newsletters.htm Keep the Marsh Special Alliance : (THis site being updated)
http://www.lyddairport-noexpansion.co.uk/news.php?story=contact --------------------------