THE RSPB has unleashed a new onslaught against the plan to build an airport at Cliffe as the Government prepares to launch its revised consultation.

The charity has made a fresh five-point attack against the scheme on the grounds of the environment, passenger safety and business viability.

Dr Mark Avery, RSPB director of conservation, said: “The case for a new airport at Cliffe is so weak, the Government should acknowledge it’s a non-starter and kick it out of the revised consultation process."

The charity’s five key issues are:

* Environment - the Cliffe area is protected by conservation laws;

* Business viability - no support from airlines;

* Passenger safety - with 200,000 birds in the area there is a major risk of birdstrikes;

* Funding - the Government will not pay for an airport and there is no evidence of anyone else willing to step in. Final estimates range from £11.5bn to £23bn;

* Technical problems - The Environment Agency says if an airport is built, there is a real possibility of flooding in London, Cliffe and Cooling Marshes area.