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A top nuclear safety expert has warned that expanding Lydd Airport would significantly increase the risk of an aircraft crashing into Dungeness power station.

Consulting engineer John Large was commissioned to carry out a safety investigation into proposals to increase passenger numbers and flights and bring in larger jet planes.

He reported the proposed development of Lydd airfield would introduce an increased level risk of an accidental aircraft crash onto the existing nuclear power stations.

He says he is astonishing the proposal to develop Lydd to commercial operations, with frequent movements of heavy, civil airliners has got so far and that an aircraft crash on the Dungeness nuclear complex could give rise to severe damage with the potential for a significant radioactive release.

Member of the Lydd Airport Action Group, Louise Barton claimed it clearly establishes the risks associated with locating a new regional airport close to a nuclear power complex.