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Lydd Airport bosses have said a new survey has shown expanding will create regeneration and boost tourism in the surrounding area.

The study which was requested by Shepway District Council asked for further information on the anticipated socio-economic impacts of the development proposals for the airport's expansion plans.

Shepway council is evaluating two planning applications for a new terminal building capable of handling up to 500,000 passengers a year and for a 444 metre extension to the existing 1,505 metre runway.

A spokesman for the airport said that the conclusions provided further proof that upgrading the airport on Romney Marsh will have an overwhelmingly positive impact on a region in need of an economic boost.

The report said: "The area faces a range of significant economic and social challenges.

"These include relatively high unemployment, low rates of economic activity, low wage levels, a poorly skilled workforce and benefit dependency.

"The communities on Romney Marsh contain pockets of deprivation and disadvantage and these communities are relatively fragile in economic and social terms, with few large employers, insufficient local job opportunities and problems associated with their remoteness.

"The analysis of the employment impacts of the expansion proposals explains that when operating at 500,000 passengers per annum the airport will generate a total of between 300 and 500 jobs.

"This represents a net addition of between 182 and 393 jobs. When operating at 300,000 passengers per annum it will generate a total of between 180 and 300 jobs - a net addition of between 64 and 182 jobs. The construction of the new terminal building will create 28 full time equivalent jobs and the construction of the runway extension will create four full time equivalent jobs.

"The expansion to 500,000 passengers per annum will have a positive impact on the tourism industry in Shepway and the wider region by generating increased visitor spend from overseas tourists and associated direct, indirect and induced jobs in tourism-related activities.

"The potentially negative tourism impacts generated by increased aircraft noise as a result of the expansion proposals are likely to be minor."

Airport managing director Zaher Deir said he was confident that Shepway District Council will conclude that the development plans are the best way forward to securing sustainable prosperity for the area."