Speakers will ensure balanced debate

A range of speakers will be invited to the meeting to decide Lydd Airport expansion plans to ensure a ‘fair and balanced' representation of public opinion.

A full meeting of Shepway Council will determine two applications - one for a new terminal building and one for a runway extension - on Thursday 9 July. The meeting will be held at the Civic Centre in Folkestone and the council is looking at how the debate can be relayed via webcam and a large screen to the Marsh Academy Theatre in New Romney.

Representatives from Lydd and New Romney Town Council, from a recognised pro-expansion lobby group, a recognised anti-expansion lobby group, ward members for Lydd, New Romney Town and New Romney Coast wards, the county councillor for the Romney Marsh and two residents - one for and one against the expansion plans - will be invited to address the meeting. Up to seven of the organisations which have been consulted, like the Environment Agency and Natural England, will also have the opportunity to speak.

Leader of the Council, Cllr Robert Bliss, said: "Everyone recognises that this is one of the biggest applications this council has had to consider. It is vital that we get a fair and balanced representation of public opinion as part of our decision-making process. I believe that the opportunities we are giving for all sides to address councillors will achieve this.

"We hope to relay the debate via wide screen television and via webcam and we are currently looking at ways this can be done so that the debate in the council chamber can be viewed by a wider audience."