Date set to discuss airport plans

Airport planners want a longer runway and new terminal building

Plans for a runway extension and a new passenger terminal building at an airport in Kent will be considered later this year, a council has said.

The meeting to discuss the future of the London Ashford Airport at Lydd had been due to take place this month but will now be held on 23 September.

Shepway District Council said the decision to move the date followed a request by the owners of the airport.

The area in Romney Marsh is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Chief executive of the council, Alistair Stewart, said the delay would give all parties - both for and against the expansion plans - more time to "properly and fully consider the report, which is long, complex and often technical".

The 155-page report into the plans has been published on the council's website, but the proposals for the privately-owned airport have not been without controversy.

Groups in favour of its expansion have said it would bring jobs, better transport links and an economic boost to the area, while those against fear it will be damaging for residents' quality of life and for the environment.