News

It will now be held 24 hours later on Thursday 24 September after it emerged the date clashed with the final day of the Liberal Democrat party conference in Bournemouth.

The change of date from Wednesday 23 September was agreed by the Chief Executive of Shepway Council, Alistair Stewart.

"The clash of dates was due to a misunderstanding. When they realised what had happened, the three group leaders asked me if I would change the date and I readily agreed. I would not want to disenfranchise any party from taking part in this extremely important debate," he said.

The meeting was originally due to have been held on 9 July but was re-scheduled after the airport owners asked for more time to consider the council's report and accompanying environmental assessment.

More details about the meeting on 24 September will be publicised nearer the time.