The letters are not all one-way. Of course many people are, understandably, concerned about the possible effect of more air traffic on their own amenities and quality of life. Others raise more widespread environmental concerns. These are all entirely legitimate factors which must be weighed in the balance when decisions come to be made.
But there are legitimate factors to be taken into account on the other side of the scale, too. Many people are concerned about the dearth of job opportunities on Romney Marsh, particularly now that Dungeness A is no longer operational. And even the environmental factors are not all one-way. There is an argument that because Lydd is closer to the Continent than other airports the effect on carbon emissions if people fly from Lydd as opposed to Stansted or Luton could actually be beneficial.
One thing is clear. Whatever decision is taken, and whoever takes it, not everyone will be content.
I have been studying the documentation that accompanied the planning applications that were submitted to Shepway District Council shortly before Christmas. And I have made two requests of the operators of the airport.
First I asked for a test flight to be carried out, along the designated flight path, by the kind of aircraft that is most likely to use the airport if it does expand. That will now take place this coming Saturday and I hope it will give people some idea of what we can expect if the expansion goes ahead.
Secondly I have asked for a compensation scheme to be drawn up, similar to that which I negotiated on behalf of the villages of Newington, Peene and Frogholt when the Channel Tunnel was under consideration. So far the response of the airport operators to this request has been disappointing. While they agreed in principle the details put forward fall far short of what I think appropriate. But discussions are continuing and I still hope that a satisfactory arrangement can be reached.
Although I shall take the decision myself, I owe it to my constituents to give them the benefit, if such it be, of my judgement. And I hope to do so next week – after Saturday’s flight.
I shall then give my view on two questions. First, do I think the planning application should be granted? Secondly, who should make the decision?
For although the applications have been submitted to Shepway District Council there is always the possibility that the decision might be called in by the Secretary of State. This could have the advantage of a Public Inquiry at which all the arguments on both sides could be tested. On the other hand we had an Inquiry more than a decade ago and another Inquiry would certainly cause delay.
These are all serious issues and I hope to give you the benefit of my views next week.
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