News from the RSPB site
The government has been advised not to support the expansion of tiny Lydd Airport in Kent.
Officials assessing the draft South East Plan are unconvinced of the economic benefit from a longer runway and larger terminal at Lydd.
Their report, called an Examination in Public, has been sent to Hazel Blears, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. It also calls for a full environmental assessment before a decision is made on the enlargement proposal.
The Minister would usually follow the panel's recommendations in her comments on the South East Plan, although she is not obliged to do so.
Little support for airport expansion
The panel's move backs the RSPB's view that there is little support for Lydd expansion. The Society fears that enlargement at Lydd would endanger habitats and wildlife at its Dungeness reserve, which lies next to the airport.
Dungeness is the RSPB's oldest reserve and its largest in the south-east. It hosts many thousands of wintering and migrating birds and in spring, is home to more than 60 breeding species.
It is also rich in rare plants and insects. Airport enlargement could mean work to improve the site being curbed.
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