20 April 2010 - The Green Euro-MP for Kent and the South East has appealed to the European Commission over concerns that proposals approved by Shepway District Council in March to expand Lydd Airport could seriously affect residents’ quality of life – and damage the area’s natural heritage.

Caroline Lucas, who is also Green Party leader, has written to the Environment Commissioner Janez Potocnik (1) to request an investigation into the threat posed to two specially protected sites by the planned major expansion of London Ashford Airport at Lydd.

The plans to build a new terminal at the airport and extend the runway by almost 300m could result in up to 500,000 passengers a year using the facility – and pose a significant risk to sites of designated natural importance at Dungeness (2).These designations represent the highest level of legal wildlife habitat protection available in Britain.

The Green Euro-MP said:

“Shepway District Council’s decision to allow expansion at Lydd airport completely ignored the concerns of local residents, campaigners and the government’s independent body, Natural England (3) – not to mention the advice of the council’s own Officers.

“It is not difficult to imagine the impact of up to 500,000 passengers a year, putting strain on the local transport infrastructure, as well as the inevitable increase in aircraft noise, disturbance and air pollution that an enlarged facility will bring.

“The Dungeness to Pett Levels Special Protection Area (SPA), designated for its internationally important bird populations, and Dungeness Special Area of Conservation (SAC), designated for its great crested newt populations and rare shingle habitat, could be at risk.

“What’s more, the large numbers of birds in Dungeness make this a high bird strike risk area. Around 90,000 gulls are known to roost near to the airport on Romney sands.”

Lucas concluded: “I hope the European Commission will recognize that this planned expansion is ill advised and potentially in breach of environmental protection laws.”

Caroline Lucas has also written to the Government Office South East to demand that the Secretary of State calls in the decision by Shepway District Council to grant planning permission for the expansion (4).