Published on 11/04/2013 08:45
The long-awaited enquiry decision finally came late on
Wednesday afternoon and was immediately greeted with a strong reaction.
Objectors, including the RSPB, the Council for the
Protection of Rural England and Lydd Airport Action Group repeated concerns
over nuclear safety and the impact on the Romney Marsh environment.
But airport executive manager Hani Mutlaq said the decision
was “a victory for common sense and for local people” which would create jobs
and boost tourism.”
The £25 million plans include the construction of a 294
metre runway extension and a new terminal building capable of handling up to
500,000 passengers a year. Owners say they have already spent £35 million in
the last decade in modernising the airport,
which dates back to 1958.
But Lydd Airport Action Group have vowed legal actions
will follow. The Group’s Louise Barton said: “This approval is despite the
development infringing at least two European Directives: the Habitats Directive
and the Nuclear Safety Directive - opening the government to legal challenge.
“Infringement proceedings under the Pilot Mechanism for
the Nuclear Safety Directive are already underway.
The RSPB conservation group labelled the decision
“shocking”. It’s Conservation Director, Martin Harper said: “This is the wrong
decision as it opens the door to real damage to Dungeness, to its wildlife and
the quality of life for many of its residents.”
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