THE people of Romney Marsh turned out in force to register their objection to the plans for the expansion of Lydd Airport.

Of nearly 3,350 people from Lydd and New Romney who visited the parish polling booths, two thirds put a cross next to 'No’ to the proposals.

Two planning applications have been submitted. One is for a new terminal building, capable of handling up to 500,000 passengers a year. The other is for a 294-metre runway extension together with a 150-metre starter extension.

The parish poll was run by Shepway District Council and will cost the town councils between £3,000 and £4,000.

It was orchestrated by the Lydd Airport Action Group (LAAG), who heralded the results as a success

Spokesman Louise Barton told the Kentish Express: “The poll demonstrates a decisive 'no’ vote and reflects residents’ desire to preserve the unique environment of Romney Marsh.

“LAAG believes Lydd Airport should abandon its large scale expansion plans.” But that is not on the agenda.

Lydd Airport is formulating a compensation scheme and branded the poll a waste of public money.

Spokesman Jo Oliver said: “What have these polls really proved? Both Kent County Council and Shepway District Council carried out a detailed public consultation process before they issued their structure plans.

"They wouldn’t waste their time, money and effort on all this research if they had not taken all the issues into account.

“To see more than 1,100 people come out and vote for an airport development in these circumstances is remarkable.

“The votes in support of the airport represent a sizeable proportion of the local communities.”

Lydd Airport managing director Zaher Deir added: “During our lengthy and very detailed public consultation process into the planned development of the airport, some local residents voiced concern about the possible negative impact on house prices.

“We took their concerns seriously and we promised to look into a noise-specific compensation scheme. We have completed our preliminary studies and now we look forward to discussing them with all interested parties.”

Officers at Shepway District Council said the turn out for the parish poll was particularly impressive.

Average numbers for such events are typically no more than 10 to 15 per cent.

But the result is purely a gauging of opinion and is not binding.

It will be considered alongside other factors, including planning policies and the views of other interested parties and organisations.

It is not expected to be considered for a decision by a full meeting of Shepway District Council before the summer, after the elections when a new council will be in place.

If the go-ahead is given, it could be called in for further inquiries by the Government Office for the South East.

The airport’s planning applications can be viewed at www.shepway.gov.uk.

The question put at the poll was: “Do you support the proposed expansion of Lydd (London Ashford) Airport including any runway extension?”

The result at the Lydd poll was:

Yes - 741

No - 916

The turnout was 36.5 per cent

The result at the New Romney poll was:

Yes - 396

No - 1,288