Lydd Airport has rejected claims that expansion would have a damaging effect on precious wildlife.

Managing director Cliff Spink has spoken out following comments made by the Lydd Airport Action Group which alleges the growth would threaten rare wildlife at two nearby sites which are protected by European legislation.

Mr Spink said: “The conclusions from the extensive studies that have been carried out by an international environmental consultancy to assess the environmental impact of London Ashford Airport’s two planning applications, conclusively reveal that the applications, contrary to the exaggerated claims put forward by Lydd Airport Action Group, will not adversely affect the integrity of the European designated sites surrounding the airport.”

He also dismissed the action group’s view that the airport’s planning application which is with Shepway District Council should be considered on the basis of its aim to eventually carry two million passengers a year, a figure quoted in the company’s masterplan.

The present planning application is for a runway extension and a new terminal building that could accommodate 500,000 passengers a year.

Mr Spink said: “In accordance with the applicable regulations, before the council can determine these applications, it must carry out an Appropriate Assessment to establish whether or not the project will adversely affect the integrity of the European designated sites. This means an Appropriate Assessment assessing the impact of 500,000 passengers per year.”

He said the claim the masterplan should be taken into account was “simply wrong”, even though LAAG have a planning barrister, Matthew Horton QC, supporting their view.

Mr Spink said the masterplan, which was prepared in 2003, represents their business case for a commercial airport at Lydd. It’s not a plan which the council is required to give its consent, permission or other authorisation to and is therefore not a document that can inform the Appropriate Assessment.

He said Lydd Airport was fully aware of its legal requirements - as was Shepway District Council.

The council has said it can only look at the planning application which has been submitted, which quotes 500,000 passengers.