Call for Lydd Airport expansion inquiry to be extended

Date added: 1 September, 2011

Campaigners opposing the airport’s expansion plans have called for a public inquiry,
which ends in 2 weeks, to be extended. The airport in Kent wants to lengthen its
runway and build a new terminal to provide an international service. The new runway
would be within 0.3 miles of Greatstone Primary School, and campaigners want more
evidence on the noise impacts on the school as it was important the childrens’
education did not suffer.  

31.8.2011 (BBC)

Campaigners opposed to the expansion of Lydd Airport have called for a public
inquiry into the proposal, which ends in two weeks, to be extended.

The airport in Kent wants to lengthen its runway and build a new terminal to
provide an international service.

The new runway would be within a third of a mile of Greatstone Primary School.

The airport owners have outlined measures to reduce the impact of noise at the
school, but campaigners argue the inquiry needs more evidence.

Shepway District Council gave permission for the construction of a runway extension
of almost 300m (328yds) and a new terminal. But the government ruled there should
be a public inquiry.

Protect Kent has said the sound of increased planes taking off and landing if
Lydd Airport is expanded could damage pupils’ ability to learn.

‘Negligible significance’

It also argues that the future of children at Greatstone Primary School, which
has in excess of 360 primary age and 50 nursery age children, should not be jeopardised
by the extension of the runway and “the potential increase in large passenger
aircraft”.

The public inquiry is due to end on 16 September but the school and Protect Kent
have said the report from the airport’s owners is not detailed enough.

Lydd airport maintains that extensive tests show that noise levels at the school
would be of “negligible significance”.

It commissioned an external report which suggested extensive insulation, permanently
closed windows and a new ventilation system, with all the measures being paid
for by the airport.

Chairman of Protect Kent, Richard Knox-Johnston, said although he thought the
cost could become “an important factor” in the expansion of the airport, it was
equally important to ensure the children’s education did not suffer.

The school and Protect Kent have also said outdoor activities at the school would
be affected and the report’s findings needed more detail as the cost of the works
had not been calculated.

They fear if the inspector gives the go-ahead to the expansion the school could
be insufficiently protected, and they want the inquiry extended so a fully costed
report can be drawn up.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-14741246

Posted: Thursday, September 1st, 2011. Filed in News about Airports.