AIRPORT expansion in the South East at places like Cliffe or Manston is not safe because the airspace does not exist, according to the East Kent Green Party. It claims there are physical barriers to expansion in Kent and the Thames Estuary.

"Airport expansion at locations like Manston, Lydd and Cliffe requires safe airspace for routes, which simply do not exist, according to air traffic controllers," said spokesman Steve Dawe.

The party has submitted a document to the Government consultation on airport development in the South East. Mr Dawe said: "We are taking about increasing capacity without it being clear how that increase will carry the same level of safety that people will expect."

Added into the equation were long-term oil supplies, the greenhouse effect, the impact on the local community and questions on whether the tourism demand would last at its present capacity. Many of the calculations were, he said, based on optimistic forecasts with little regard for the environment. There was concern about oil supplies after 2010, he said, and global rates of use were rising rapidly. Another issue was that of security abroad. Tourists could be scared off travelling to far-flung destinations.

"UK emissions of greenhouse gases have risen in each of the last two years. It is impossible to cut greenhouse gases without reducing aviation emissions," he added.