Flight turbulence over plans for Lydd airport expansion

The airport owners want to increase passenger numbers 100-fold, from fewer than
5,000 a year to half a million, and ultimately to 2 million.   The aerodrome, which
is owned by Sheikh Fahad al-Athel, has already changed its name to London Ashford
in preparation.   The airport lies less than a mile from the RSPB’s Dungeness nature
reserve,   home to some 120,000 birds in the winter. The RSPB has thrown its considerable
weight behind moves to block the expansion, organised by local people.   The airport’s
proposals are being considered by planners at Shepway district council but, if
approved, the RSPB will call for them to be discussed at a public inquiry. “This
will be a test of the government’s commitment to cutting greenhouse gas emissions
and its arguments on climate change,” the RSPB spokesman says.   British Energy,
which owns and operates Dungeness B power station is concerned that a growth in
air traffic could harm its chances of building a new Dungeness C reactor, as part
of the expected revival of nuclear power.   (Guardian)

http://environment.guardian.co.uk/conservation/story/0,,2069765,00.html

Flight turbulence over plans for Lydd airport expansion