In their closing statement to the Lydd Airport Inquiry on 16 September, Shepway District Council stated it's position remained one of strong support for the applications by London Ashford Airport Limited for permission for a runway extension and a new passenger terminal at LAA, Lydd.

In conclusion they stated that there was nothing in the material which had been presented at the Inquiry which suggested that the Council was wrong in its decision that planning permission should be granted. Rather, the evidence strongly suggests that the Council's decision was correct, and that this limited expansion on the existing airport should be allowed.

A spokesman for Lydd Airport’s senior management team said they were very pleased that the public inquiry had provided the opportunity for a full and comprehensive debate to take place about its multi-million investment plans for developing the airport.

“Lydd Airport is confident that we have provided overwhelming evidence to show that our applications to develop the site accord with national and local policies and would not have an adverse impact on the integrity of the internationally-designated sites of wildlife and ecological importance, or a significant adverse effect on sites of national and local ecological importance.

“We are also confident that our evidence to the inquiry has clearly demonstrated the economic and job-creation benefits of our plans in serving as a catalyst in the regeneration of Romney Marsh and the wider Shepway community.

“Our applications have been subject to a thorough and comprehensive determination process lasting a number of years and the democratically elected members of Shepway District Council reviewed, examined and questioned the applications and resolved to grant planning permission.

“The proposed planning control measures to be contained in a Section 106 Agreement would result in a more restricted operation of the airport than is currently the case and would provide significant ecological enhancements.

“We remain confident that the planning inspector’s report will recommend the approval of the development and we look forward to a positive outcome when the Secretary of State makes the final decision,” the spokesman added.

Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2011©